noun
symptom
SIMP-tuhm/ˈsɪmptəm/
A sign of an underlying condition or problem.
The fever is a symptom of an underlying condition.
Etymology
“Falling together” also meant happening or befalling; the related Greek noun could mean an accident or disease. English used it for evidence of disease, then more broadly for a sign of an underlying condition.
In context
shortness of breath can also be a symptom of other heart conditions such as heart failure
More examples
- Several symptoms appeared.
- The delay was a symptom of poor planning.
- She reported the symptom.
Forms
symptom · symptoms
symptomatic adjective — showing a sign of a condition
Similar words
- indication
- Any sign pointing to something.
- cause
- Produces the problem rather than revealing it.