symptom

symp·tom

noun \ˈsim(p)-təm\

Definition of SYMPTOM

1

a : subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance; broadly : something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder

b : an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen

2

a : something that indicates the existence of something else <symptoms of an inner turmoil>

b : a slight indication : trace

— symp·tom·less \-ləs\ adjective

Origin of SYMPTOM

Late Latin symptomat-, symptoma, from Greek symptōmat-, symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, from sympiptein to happen, from syn- + piptein to fall — more at feather

First Known Use: 1541

symp·tom

noun \ˈsim(p)-təm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SYMPTOM

: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance observed by the patient <headache is a symptom of many diseases> <visual disturbances may be a symptom of retinal arteriosclerosis>; broadly : something that indicates the presence of a physical disorder—compare sign 2