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

Health officials in both Illinois and Iowa said that people who experienced similar symptoms after eating at McDonald’s should contact a doctor for testing and possible treatment. — Matthew Haag, New York Times, "McDonald’s Removes Salads Linked to Intestinal Parasite Outbreak in Midwest," 13 July 2018 By McClatchy Initial symptoms are flu-like and without early treatment, the illness is almost always fatal. — Andy Marso, kansascity, "After JoCo bat tests positive for rabies, health department warns residents of danger," 10 July 2018 As the title suggests, A Very English Scandal is riddled with symptoms and symbols of the British Establishment. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "Sex, Lies, and Bunnies in A Very English Scandal," 3 July 2018 Through one such drug, Avonex, taken weekly, Lipton could control her symptoms. — Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, "Andy Levin looks to take dad Sander Levin's seat in Congress," 13 July 2018 Its symptoms, which include frequent watery diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, and fever, can last from a few days to more than a month if left untreated. — Don Reisinger, Fortune, "More Than 100 People Ill From Parasite Possibly Linked to McDonald's Salads," 13 July 2018 Bipolar disorder, for example, was more similar to schizophrenia than to major depression even though clinicians may link bipolar disorder and depression, based on their symptoms. — Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, "The Same Genes May Underlie Different Psychiatric Disorders," 12 July 2018 John talks about his early symptoms and his diagnosis by his physician, Dr. Heaton. — Mark Price, charlotteobserver, "New ‘exotic’ tick invades NC, and it’s an ‘aggressive biter.’ How far has it spread?," 12 July 2018 But their symptoms — foaming at the mouth, pinpoint pupils and hallucinations — were similar to those that had emerged with the three previous victims: the Skripals, and a detective who was exposed while responding to the crime. — Ellen Barry, New York Times, "Dawn Sturgess, British Woman Poisoned by Novichok, Dies," 8 July 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.

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Last Updated

3 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

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