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

Beyond easing symptoms, participants in the intermittent fasting group experienced a significant reduction in harmful visceral fat and key inflammatory signals in the bloodstream.

From Science Daily

In an interview with Business Insider, he revealed he started experiencing changes in his bowel movements, a common symptom of bowel cancer.

From BBC

Some develop mild symptoms, while others face severe illness.

From Science Daily

"His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice."

From Barron's

Food and Drug Administration has approved drugs that can avert symptoms like memory loss.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• manifestation
• syndrome