symptom

noun symp·tom \ 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

—

symptomless

play \-ləs\ adjective

See symptom defined for English-language learners

See symptom defined for kids

Recent Examples of symptom from the Web

Meningitis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that starts with flulike symptoms of fever, fatigue and body aches.

— michele munz, The Seattle Times, "College students: There’s a new vaccine you should consider," 30 Aug. 2017
The disease affects all tissues, but the primary symptom is excess mucus in the lungs and gut, causing chest infections, coughing, difficulty breathing, and digestive problems.

— gunjan sinha, Science | AAAS, "This scientist is building miniature guts, livers, and lungs that could save your life one day," 23 Aug. 2017
Symptoms in other plants are distorted leaves and stems, and, in some cases, a stunted plant.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Spider mites harm plants but are easy to control," 23 Aug. 2017
The zoo’s safety team had to assist a couple people suffering from the symptoms related to the high temperature and humidity, but Bartoo said that’s normal for any summer day at the Tennessee zoo.

— Washington Post, "2017 solar eclipse," 21 Aug. 2017
The next day, four Marines and a sailor passenger began showing symptoms of decompression sickness and were treated and released by physicians at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

— carl prine, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Tanker grounded while Corps probes Tuesday aviation mishap," 18 Aug. 2017
Only about 20 percent of those infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, health officials say.

— cameron knight, Cincinnati.com, "First West Nile virus infection of 2017 in Clermont County," 16 Aug. 2017
Those infected can be contagious for weeks, even while showing mild symptoms.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "Health officials: Whooping cough on rise in Alabama," 15 Aug. 2017
The hope is that by normalizing the skin’s microbiome, probiotics will help alleviate eczema symptoms and minimize the incidence of future flare-ups.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "Taking too many antibiotics to treat eczema may worsen your condition," 4 Aug. 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1541

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Synonym Discussion of 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

SYMPTOM Defined for English Language Learners

symptom

noun

Definition of symptom for English Language Learners

: 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

SYMPTOM Defined for Kids

symptom

noun symp·tom \ ˈsimp-təm \

Definition of symptom for Students

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

2 :indication 2, sign

Loss of jobs is a symptom of a weakening economy.

Medical Dictionary

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 2

Learn More about symptom

Spanish Central: Translation of symptom Nglish: Translation of symptom for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of symptom for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symptom

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Origin and Etymology of symptom

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SYMPTOM Defined for English Language Learners

symptom

Definition of symptom for English Language Learners

SYMPTOM Defined for Kids

symptom

Definition of symptom for Students

Medical Dictionary

symptom

medical Definition of symptom

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