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side effect
or side-ef·fect
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
any effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant.
any accompanying or consequential and usually detrimental effect: the side effects of air pollution.
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Origin of side effect
First recorded in 1880â85
Words nearby side effect
side deal, side dish, side-dress, side dressing, side drum, side effect, side-eye, side-eyed, side-foot, side-glance, sidehead
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use side effect in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for side effect
side effect
noun
any unwanted nontherapeutic effect caused by a drugCompare aftereffect (def. 2)
any secondary effect, esp an undesirable one
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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