symptom

Definition

A perceived change in some function, sensation or appearance of a person that indicates a disease or disorder, such as fever, headache or rash; strictly, a symptom is felt or experienced by the patient, while a sign can be detected by an observer.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek σύμπτωμα (súmptōma, “a happening, accident, symptom of disease”), from stem of συμπίπτω (sumpíptō, “Ι befall”), from συν- (sun-, “together”) + πίπτω (píptō, “I fall”).

Example Sentences

• "The doctor told that his coughing and sneezing was the symptom of standing for too long in the rain."
• "Swollen breasts, morning sickness, and a missed period are classic symptoms of pregnancy."
• "Lying, hiding one's true feelings, and having affairs are typical symptoms of a doomed marriage."

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