symptom

/'simptəm/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
symptom

A patient reports a persistent cough as a symptom to the doctor.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An indication or sign of something: A "symptom" is something that accompanies a situation, condition, or process and serves as evidence of its existence or presence.
    • A medical manifestation: In medicine, a "symptom" is any subjective sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease or disorder.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun (General Indication):
    • The sudden drop in sales is a symptom of a larger problem with the company's strategy.
    • High employee turnover can be a symptom of poor workplace culture.
  • Noun (Medical):
    • A persistent fever and cough are common symptoms of the flu.
    • The patient reported symptoms of dizziness and fatigue.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be symptomatic of something": To be a sign or indication of a particular condition or problem.
    • His constant lateness is symptomatic of a lack of respect for the team's time.
  • "Presenting symptom": The primary symptom or complaint that causes a patient to seek medical attention.
    • The presenting symptom was severe abdominal pain.
Variants and Related Words
  • Symptomatic (adj): Serving as a symptom or sign; having the characteristics of a particular symptom.
    • The rash is symptomatic of an allergic reaction.
  • Symptomatology (n): The set of symptoms characteristic of a medical condition or the study of symptoms.
    • The doctor studied the patient's symptomatology to make a diagnosis.
  • Asymptomatic (adj): Showing no symptoms of disease.
    • Many people with the virus remain asymptomatic.
Synonyms
  • Sign: An objective indication of a medical condition (often observable by others, unlike a subjective symptom).
  • Indicator: Something that points to or shows the state or existence of something else.
  • Manifestation: An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something.
Related Phrases
  • Symptom checker: A tool, often online, that allows a user to input symptoms to receive possible diagnoses.
    • She used a symptom checker online before deciding to see a doctor.
  • Symptom management: The aspect of medical care focused on alleviating the symptoms of a disease.
    • Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life.
Idioms and Common Expressions
  • A symptom of the times: Something that is characteristic of or indicates the nature of the current period.
    • The rise of remote work is a symptom of the times, driven by advances in technology.
symptom

A patient reports a persistent cough as a symptom to the doctor.

Noun
  1. anything that accompanies X and is regarded as an indication of X's existence
  2. (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease