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

• symptomless adjective
• presymptom noun

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

Teenagers have described horrendous withdrawal symptoms after vaping it, while one parent said she feared finding her daughter dead in her bed.

From BBC

Thomas’ insecurities only worsen as the boys mature and head off to college, where he begins showing symptoms of mental illness.

From Salon

The presence of the virus had been confirmed in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital last month after showing symptoms that included a high fever and repeated vomiting, the ministry added.

From BBC

Ohtani’s symptoms have included chest and sinus “stuff” as well as “a deep cough,” Roberts added.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Primrose Freestone, an associate professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, says it can lead to symptoms for what is known as sick building syndrome.

From BBC

Related Words

• manifestation 
• syndrome