recurrent

play

adjective re·cur·rent \-ˈkər-ənt, -ˈkə-rənt\

Definition of recurrent

1 : running or turning back in a direction opposite to a former course —used of various nerves and branches of vessels in the arms and legs
2 : returning or happening time after time recurrent complaints

recurrently

adverb

See recurrent defined for English-language learners

See recurrent defined for kids

Examples of recurrent in a Sentence

The loss of innocence is a recurrent theme in his stories.
had recurrent problems with the computer for months and finally junked it

Recent Examples of recurrent from the Web

Get a n*****’ was the slogan, and it was varied by the recurrent cry, ‘

— allison keyes, Smithsonian, "The East St. Louis Race Riot Left Dozens Dead, Devastating a Community on the Rise", 30 June 2017
During questioning of would-be jurors Tuesday, Shkreli’s life online was a recurrent theme.

— misyrlena egkolfopoulou, Bloomberg.com, "Shkreli Loses Mistrial Bid and Retaliates Against Reporters", 27 June 2017
Technology has finally progressed to the state where these characteristics can be included in recurrent training.

— john cox, USA TODAY, "Ask the Captain: Have you recovered from a full stall?", 25 June 2017
For months community has been a recurrent theme as Facebook approaches a major milestone — 2 billion people using the service at least once a month.

— jessica guynn, USA TODAY, "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's new mission: Bring the world closer together", 22 June 2017
Recurrent lasers, explosions and fireballs further added to an atmosphere reminiscent of a movie-studio theme park.

— bob gendron, chicagotribune.com, "Rote, boring Metallica a shadow of itself at Soldier Field", 19 June 2017
The first step for people with persistent or recurrent joint symptoms is to get a proper diagnosis.

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Those with arthritis can improve their symptoms with exercise", 14 June 2017
The recurrent posterior hip dislocation caused Pitta to miss the entire 2015 season.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Dennis Pitta should walk away now", 5 June 2017
Identity politics remain a recurrent hot potato in a nation where collecting data based on religious and ethnic backgrounds is banned and the wearing of religious symbols — such as face-covering veils — in public is prohibited.

— Bloomberg.com, "Paris Mayor Says 'Solution' Found for Black Feminist Event", 29 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recurrent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of recurrent

Latin recurrent-, recurrens, present participle of recurrere

NEW!

First Known Use: 1578

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

RECURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

recurrent

play

adjective

Definition of recurrent for English Language Learners

: happening or appearing again and again

RECURRENT Defined for Kids

recurrent

play

adjective re·cur·rent \ri-ˈkər-ənt\

Definition of recurrent for Students

: happening or appearing again and again a recurrent infection

Medical Dictionary

recurrent

play

adjective re·cur·rent \-ˈkər-ənt, -ˈkə-rənt\

Medical Definition of recurrent

1: running or turning back in a direction opposite to a former course—used of various nerves and branches of vessels in the arms and legs
2: returning or happening time after time recurrent pain