symptom

noun symp·tom \ ˈsim(p)-təm \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

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 \ˈsim(p)-təm-ləs\ adjective

See symptom defined for English-language learners

See symptom defined for kids

Recent Examples of symptom from the Web

Because spice is a synthetic drug, Narcan could not be used to treat the symptoms.

— justin l. mack, Indianapolis Star, "14 people overdose on 'spice' in Downtown Indianapolis," 13 May 2018
The only symptom was this tiny little bump under my ear that didn't go away over the course of a few months.

— brittany risher, SELF, "After 4 Cancer Diagnoses in 8 Years, This Pro Racer Is Still Running," 12 May 2018
Erie, Pennsylvania, suffered from the standard symptoms of Rust Belt decline; shuttered, caved-in factories, a shrinking downtown, and young adults rushing to leave for better opportunities.

— patrick sisson, Curbed, "Our Towns: How small cities aren’t just surviving, but thriving," 9 May 2018
The tremors in his left arm had returned, accompanied by the symptoms of cogwheel rigidity, where the limb would inexplicably stop itself at certain fixed points in its range of motion.

— dave itzkoff, HWD, "Inside the Final Days of Robin Williams," 8 May 2018
The symptoms remain relatively subtle, at least for now.

— chris ballard, SI.com, "Same Warrior, New Battle: Brian Grant Won't Back Down From Parkinson's Disease," 2 May 2018
What are the symptoms: Look for signs of hepatitis A like fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

— bailey loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville could make food workers get a hep A vaccine. But it won't," 2 May 2018
The specific symptoms will depend on what is being crushed.

— lisa sanders, m.d., New York Times, "Why Was Her Vision Jerky and Blurry if There Was Nothing Wrong With Her Eyes?," 1 May 2018
My mother’s personal approach to motherhood dictates treating symptoms whenever possible.

— molly fischer, The Cut, "Should Sheila Heti Have a Baby?," 1 May 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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.