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