syndrome

noun

syn·​drome ˈsin-ˌdrōm How to pronounce syndrome (audio)
also
-drəm How to pronounce syndrome (audio)
1
: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition
2
: a set of concurrent things (such as emotions or actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern

Did you know?

Combining its two Greek roots, syndrome means basically "running together". So when diagnosing a condition or disease, doctors tend to look for a group of symptoms existing together. As long as a set of symptoms remains mysterious, it may be referred to as a specific syndrome. But if that name is used for a while, it may become the condition's permanent name, even after an underlying cause has been found. So today we have Down syndrome, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Asperger's syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, Tourette's syndrome, sick building syndrome, and many more. And since mental conditions often turn out to have physical causes, syndrome is used in psychology as well as in medicine.

Examples of syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dion made her official musical comeback amid her battle with stiff person syndrome at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony in July. Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 Alpha-gal syndrome, too, is suspected to be on the rise. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024 Sarah Katz, 21, was a University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition called long QT syndrome type 1 who avoided energy drinks per her doctors’ recommendations, according to a lawsuit filed last year in Philadelphia. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2024 Some people with burning mouth syndrome will also take a clonazepam pill. Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for syndrome 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek syndromē combination, syndrome, from syn- + dramein to run — more at dromedary

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of syndrome was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syndrome. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

syndrome

noun
syn·​drome ˈsin-ˌdrōm How to pronounce syndrome (audio)
: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition

Medical Definition

syndrome

noun
syn·​drome
ˈsin-ˌdrōm also -drəm
: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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