symptom

noun symp·tom \ ˈsim(p)-təm \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 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

If your Lyme disease goes untreated, some of those symptoms—like headache and joint pain—may intensify.

— kate sheridan, SELF, "Here’s Exactly What to Do if a Tick Bites You," 14 July 2018
Kimberly DelTorchio of Satellite Beach decided to try Whole30 after her sister saw an improvement of symptoms associated with an autoimmune disorder.

— katie parsons, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Whole30 diet is all the rage: What you need to know," 13 July 2018
But because animals don’t always exhibit—let alone complain of—the same symptoms of illness that humans do, zoonotic diseases are challenging to detect, and the consequences can be disastrous.

— katherine j. wu, Smithsonian, "A Never-Before-Seen Virus Has Been Detected in Myanmar’s Bats," 11 July 2018
There’s also lofexidine, a non-opioid treatment that reduces the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is thought to play a role in many of the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

— Houston Chronicle, "How to “live long and prosper”," 7 July 2018
The most common of those symptoms included cognitive impairment, balance issues, visual and hearing problems, sleep trouble, and headaches.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Brain injury, sound-attack fears spread in China as more Americans evacuated," 2 July 2018
Individuals with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should receive immediate medical attention.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Harford opens cooling centers at libraries; pools, creeks top places to beat the searing heat," 2 July 2018
In October, Trump visited a treatment center for infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome, a collection of symptoms caused by being exposed to addictive drugs in utero.

— pamela ren larson, azcentral, "All eyes on Melania Trump's attire for expected Arizona visit," 28 June 2018
The cause of the unusual set of health symptoms is still under investigation by both American and Cuban researchers.

— mimi whitefield, miamiherald, "Mystery deepens in Havana as U.S. confirms a 26th diplomat in Cuba suffered health symptoms," 28 June 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.

- 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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symptom

Definition of symptom

symptomless

Recent Examples of symptom from the Web

Origin and Etymology of symptom

Synonym Discussion of symptom

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

Learn More about symptom

Seen and Heard

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