Symptom

Quick meaning: Symptom is a noun meaning (figuratively) A signal; anything that indicates, or is characteristic of, the presence of something else, especially of something undesirable.

Meaning

(figuratively) A signal; anything that indicates, or is characteristic of, the presence of something else, especially of something undesirable.

More Meanings

1. (medicine) 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.

Example Sentences

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.

The doctor told that his coughing and sneezing was the symptom of standing for too long in the rain.

Some people see birth outside of marriage as a social problem—a sign of a breakdown in the traditional family and a symptom of moral decay.

Word Forms

• symptoms

Synonyms for symptom

Depending on context, synonyms include indication, manifestation, sign, signal.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include syndrome, symptomatic, symptomatology, reflection, illustration, anomaly.

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