Meaning & use

symptom

noun·Everyday

A physical or mental sign that indicates the presence of an illness or condition.

See it in a sentence

A persistent cough was the first symptom of his cold.

Doctors asked her to describe every symptom before making a diagnosis.

A note on using this word

Also used figuratively for a sign of a wider problem, as in "a symptom of deeper economic troubles."

Words with a similar meaning

signindication

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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