sequela

noun

se·​quela si-ˈkwe-lə How to pronounce sequela (audio)
plural sequelae si-ˈkwe-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce sequela (audio)
1
: an aftereffect of a disease, condition, or injury
2
: a secondary result

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Another dangerous sequela of unnecessary treatment is the development of antimicrobial resistant organisms, which is a huge global problem. Richard Marfuggi, STAT, 22 Dec. 2022 Following the debut of bulimia nervosa in the DSM-III, the University of Chicago put out a press release publicizing its own rather novel data on a kind of sequela of anorexia. Lee Daniel Kravetz, The Cut, 31 July 2017 Today, however, the Buffalo News carries the story of a New York State teen’s death from MRSA pneumonia as a sequela of flu: Matthew Davis was a healthy Buffalo teenager who participated in sports before complaining of headaches June 13. Maryn Mckenna, WIRED, 23 June 2009

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, sequel

First Known Use

circa 1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sequela was circa 1793

Dictionary Entries Near sequela

Cite this Entry

“Sequela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequela. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

sequela

noun
se·​quela si-ˈkwe-lə How to pronounce sequela (audio)
plural sequelae -(ˌ)lē How to pronounce sequela (audio)
: a negative aftereffect
prevention of the post-phlebitic sequelaeA. G. Sharf
the emotional sequelae of early parental deathSheila Ballantyne
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