adjective
symptomatic
simp-tuh-MAT-ik/ˌsɪmptəˈmætɪk/
Showing or serving as a sign of an illness, condition, or underlying problem.
The yellowing leaves are symptomatic of trouble in the waterlogged roots.
Etymology
Greek symptoma meant a happening, accident, or disease. Through the sense of a disease's observable manifestation, symptomatic came to describe anything that indicates an underlying condition or problem.
In context
such as a pulsating artery become painful resulting in a throbbing pain made worse with activity this type of pain is symptomatic of peripheral sensitization
More examples
- A persistent cough can be symptomatic of a respiratory infection.
- Symptomatic patients wait in a separate area of the clinic.
- The accounting errors are symptomatic of poor oversight.
Forms
symptomatic
symptom noun — A sign of illness or dysfunction.
Similar words
- indicative
- Points to something without necessarily suggesting illness or trouble.
- suggestive
- Hints at a condition without providing a definite sign.