symptom
symptom Lexical Profile
symptom Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient.
"Persistent fatigue and a sudden loss of taste are common symptoms of the viral infection."
An indication or sign of the existence of something, especially of an undesirable situation or structural problem.
"The rising crime rate is merely a symptom of deeper economic inequality within the region."
Word Nuance & Usage
In strict medical contexts, a 'symptom' is subjective and reported by the patient (like pain or fatigue), whereas a 'sign' is objective and observable by a physician (like a rash or fever).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originates from the early 15th century, via Late Latin 'symptoma' from the Greek 'symptōma' (a happening, accident, or disease), which comes from 'sympiptein' meaning 'to befall or happen together' (from 'syn-' together + 'piptein' to fall).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.