INTERCURRENT Meaning and
Definition
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Intercurrent is an adjective that is typically used in the medical field to describe an event, condition, or disease that occurs simultaneously or in addition to an existing illness or medical condition. It refers to something that emerges or develops during the course of an ongoing disease or condition, complicating its progression or treatment.
When used in the context of medical jargon, intercurrent implies a concomitant or intervening factor that affects the course or outcome of a primary condition. For example, in the case of a diabetic individual, an intercurrent infection such as a urinary tract infection or respiratory illness can lead to complications and exacerbate their diabetes.
The term also denotes an unexpected occurrence that arises during a particular medical treatment or intervention. For instance, if a patient undergoing surgery suffers an intercurrent cardiac event, it refers to an unplanned and unforeseen incident that arises in the course of the surgical procedure.
Overall, intercurrent signifies an additional condition, event, or complication that emerges alongside an existing illness or medical intervention, influencing its progress and requiring attention or adjustments in treatment plans. It highlights the fact that diseases and medical conditions rarely exist in isolation, and the presence of intercurrent factors underscores the need for comprehensive and holistic approaches to healthcare.
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Intervening, said of a disease attacking a person already ill of another malady.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Running between or among; intervening; in med., applied to diseases which occur in a scattered manner during the prevalence of epidemic disorders.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INTERCURRENT
- jntercurrent
- kntercurrent
- ontercurrent
- 9ntercurrent
- 8ntercurrent
- ibtercurrent
- imtercurrent
- ijtercurrent
- ihtercurrent
- inrercurrent
- infercurrent
- ingercurrent
- inyercurrent
- in6ercurrent
- in5ercurrent
- intwrcurrent
- intsrcurrent
- intdrcurrent
- intrrcurrent
Etymology of INTERCURRENT
The word "intercurrent" is formed by combining the prefix "inter-" and the word "current".
The prefix "inter-" comes from the Latin word "inter", meaning "between" or "among". It is often used to denote the idea of "occurring between" or "existing among".
The word "current" comes from the Latin word "currens", which is the present participle of the verb "currere", meaning "to run". It originally referred to the flow or movement of water, but it has been extended to describe the flow or movement of various things, such as electricity or air.
Therefore, the etymology of "intercurrent" suggests that it describes something that is occurring or happening between or among currents or flows. In a medical context, "intercurrent" refers to the occurrence of a second illness or condition during the course of another.
Similar spelling words for INTERCURRENT
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