symptom

noun

symp·tom | \ ˈsim(p)-təm

Definition of symptom

1a : 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

2a : something that indicates the existence of something else symptoms of an inner turmoil

b : a slight indication : trace

Other Words from symptom Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about symptom

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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

Heatstroke symptoms include drooling, heavy panting, confusion, dizziness, seizures, lying down and not wanting to get back up and a temperature of 105 degrees or more. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, "What’s the right age to spay or neuter cat?," 5 July 2019 Those symptoms include anxiety, depression, and drug use. — Sabine Galvis, Science | AAAS, "Even if you don’t play contact sports, you could develop signs of traumatic brain injury," 3 July 2019 Typically, symptoms of contamination can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and a fever, per the CDC. — Cory Stieg, refinery29.com, "What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Undercooked Meat?," 3 July 2019 In addition to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, other symptoms may include fever, stomach pain, dehydration and weight loss. — oregonlive.com, "Crypto: Health authorities warn against microscopic parasite that lives in pools, water parks," 1 July 2019 Other symptoms include dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss. — Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al.com, "Crypto: Parasite in pools making people sick, CDC wants," 1 July 2019 Of the people who do come down with the virus, Griffith said symptoms might include fever, headaches, nausea or a rash. — Daniel I. Dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "West Nile-infected mosquitoes found in Lincolnwood, Morton Grove," 27 June 2019 Later symptoms may include a cough which rapidly progresses to respiratory distress. — Fox News, "New Mexico woman dies from virus linked to rodent droppings," 26 June 2019 Veterinarians report symptoms of peppermint oil poisoning in cats include difficulty breathing, trouble walking, excessive drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, pawing at the mouth, redness or burns in and around the mouth, and vomiting. — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, "Seemingly benign skunk deterrent can be dangerous for cats," 14 June 2019

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

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Last Updated

11 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for symptom

The first known use of symptom was in 1541

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More Definitions for symptom

symptom

noun

English Language Learners Definition of symptom

: a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present

: a change which shows that something bad exists : a sign of something bad

See the full definition for symptom in the English Language Learners Dictionary

symptom

noun

symp·tom | \ ˈsimp-təm

Kids Definition of symptom

1 : a noticeable change in the body or its functions that indicates the presence of a disease or other disorder

2 : indication sense 2, sign Loss of jobs is a symptom of a weakening economy.

symptom

noun

symp·tom | \ ˈsim(p)-təm

Medical Definition of symptom

: 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