noun
symptom
SIHM-tuhm
noun
1
A physical or mental sign felt by a person that indicates illness or disorder, such as pain or fatigue.
"A sore throat is a common symptom of the flu."
"Doctors asked her to describe her symptoms in detail."
2
A sign that something else, often something undesirable, is present or happening.
"Rising crime rates can be a symptom of deeper economic problems."
How to Use Symptom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sign of an underlying problem — whether it's a medical condition or a wider issue.
Common pairings
show symptoms
symptom of
flu symptoms
Word Forms
symptoms plural
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A sore throat is a common _____ of the flu.
Etymology
From Greek symptoma, "a happening" or "accident," from syn- ("together") + piptein ("to fall").