symptom

American  

[simp-tuhm] / ˈsɪmp təm /

noun

1. any phenomenon or circumstance accompanying something and serving as evidence of it.

2. a sign or indication of something.

   Synonyms:

   mark, token, signal

3. Pathology. a phenomenon that arises from and accompanies a particular disease or disorder and serves as an indication of it.

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symptom British  

/ ˈsɪmptəm /

noun

1. med any sensation or change in bodily function experienced by a patient that is associated with a particular disease Compare sign

2. any phenomenon or circumstance accompanying something and regarded as evidence of its existence; indication

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symptom Scientific  

/ sĭm′təm /

1. A subjective indication of a disorder or disease, such as pain, nausea or weakness. Symptoms may be accompanied by objective signs of disease such as abnormal laboratory test results or findings during a physical examination.

2. Compare sign

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Other Word Forms

• presymptom noun
• symptomless adjective

Etymology

Origin of symptom

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin symptōma < Greek sýmptōma occurrence, that which falls together with something, equivalent to sym- sym- + ptō- (variant stem of píptein to fall) + -ma noun suffix of result

Example Sentences

By suppressing stomach acid, these drugs ease symptoms of ulcers, gastritis, and reflux.

From Science Daily

They also point out that many studies lacked direct head to head comparisons, participants differed widely in symptom severity, and some trials allowed additional treatments alongside exercise.

From Science Daily

Both groups experienced significant reductions in depression symptoms, and there was no statistically significant difference in overall outcomes between the two treatment schedules.

From Science Daily

Three psychiatrists who assessed Skebas agreed he had schizophrenia and was showing symptoms of psychosis on the day he killed Lilia.

From BBC

Disc’s pill proved a godsend for patients: It reduced levels of the toxic protein by 40% on average and symptoms by 75%.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• manifestation
• syndrome