Meaning & Definition of word "Symptom"
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Symptom
/ˈsɪmptəm/
noun:
- 1. A phenomenon or circumstance accompanying something and serving as evidence of it.
- Example: A persistent cough can be a symptom of a respiratory infection.
- 2. A physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease.
- Example: Fatigue is frequently reported as a symptom of depression.
- 3. An indicator of a problem or situation.
- Example: The rise in unemployment is a symptom of the economic crisis.
- 4. An indication that something is happening, especially an undesirable issue.
- Example: The error message is a symptom of a larger software malfunction.
Etymology
From Latin 'symptoma', meaning 'that which befalls', from Greek 'symptōma', meaning 'a happening, incident'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
symptoms of disease:
The characteristic features indicating an illness.
show symptoms:
To exhibit signs associated with a condition.
common cold symptoms:
Typical signs related to a cold, such as sneezing or coughing.
Related Words
diagnosis:
The identification of the nature of an illness.
syndrome:
A group of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality.
Slang Meanings of symptom
Meaning: Red flag
Example Sentence: That headache is a red flag; you might want to see a doctor.
Meaning: Warning sign
Example Sentence: Feeling tired all the time is a warning sign.