pathognomonic

adjective

pa·​tho·​gno·​mon·​ic ˌpa-thə(g)-nō-ˈmä-nik How to pronounce pathognomonic (audio)
: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pathognōmonicus, borrowed from Greek pathognōmonikós, from patho- patho- + gnōmonikós "judging by rule, capable of judging," from gnṓmōn "examiner, interpreter" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at gnomon

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathognomonic was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near pathognomonic

Cite this Entry

“Pathognomonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathognomonic. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

pathognomonic

adjective
pa·​tho·​gno·​mon·​ic ˌpath-ə(g)-nō-ˈmän-ik How to pronounce pathognomonic (audio)
: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease or condition
erosions, which are virtually pathognomonic of GERDBarbara Baker
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