symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

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

symptomless

ˈsim(p)-təm-ləs 

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for symptom

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.

sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of symptom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are accompanying symptoms that can also be helpful to look out for. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

Serious symptoms include encephalitis, blindness and paralysis. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 24 Apr. 2024

Signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, or fainting. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024

In Ontario, Community Paramedic Services offer Cloud DX Connected Health RPM services to seniors who can benefit from daily monitoring of vital signs, physical symptoms and in many cases, chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2024

The price war is just one symptom of that situation. —David Meyer, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2024

The risk of death increases if you are not treated within 24 hours of symptom onset. —Claire Gillespie, Health, 22 Apr. 2024

This response potentially led to some of the respiratory symptoms experienced by these patients. —Maggie Chen, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024

Because hormones play a role (that’s why the condition typically makes its debut after puberty and about half of people get their first symptoms between the ages of 10 and 21), your teen may experience monthly flare-ups before their period when hormone levels are fluctuating. —Ade Onibada, SELF, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symptom

• MSG symptom complex
• somatic symptom disorder

Kids Definition

symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

1

: a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder

especially : one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected

2

: something that shows that something else exists : indication

symptomless

-ləs 

adjective

Medical Definition

symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

: 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 sense 2