symptom

[simp-tuhm]

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.

symptom

/ 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

symptom

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

Other Word Forms

• presymptom noun
• symptomless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of symptom¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of symptom¹

C16: from Late Latin symptōma, from Greek sumptōma chance, from sumpiptein to occur, from _syn- + piptein to fall

Example Sentences

This practical focus allows healthcare professionals to tailor dietary advice to individual symptom patterns.

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There may also be clinical implications, because the study suggests that even small amounts of the Aβ/fibrinogen complex can trigger the features of Alzheimer's disease long before cognitive symptoms appear.

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Carolla said it’s a symptom of the larger trend across L.A. that he regularly complains about: regulations and over-engineering bogging development down to the point where no one can afford to build.

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These symptoms are thought to stem in part from hormonal fluctuations that occur during this transition.

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The Foreign Office has begun a new advertising campaign and updated its travel advice pages to include information on recognising symptoms and reducing risks of methanol poisoning.

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Related Words

• manifestation 
• syndrome