Pronunciation: [sˈɪmptəm] (IPA) 
Symptom is the correct spelling of a word that refers to a physical or mental manifestation of a disease or disorder. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈsɪmptəm/. The first syllable is pronounced as "SIM", the second syllable as "tuhm". The "o" in "symptom" is pronounced as "uh" due to the influence of the "m" sound on the preceding vowel. Incorrect spellings of this word include "simptom" and "sympthom".
A symptom is a noticeable or subjective indication, sign, or characteristic that suggests a particular condition, illness, disease, or abnormality in a person, animal, or system. It is a manifestation or perceived change in the body, behavior, or mood that may result from an underlying cause.
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the specific condition they are associated with. They can be physical, such as pain, swelling, or rash, affecting different body parts or systems. They can also be psychological or emotional, such as anxiety, depression, or agitation. Additionally, symptoms may include changes in cognitive function, such as memory loss or confusion.
Symptoms serve as a means for identifying and diagnosing diseases and disorders. Medical practitioners rely on symptoms to evaluate a patient's health, gather pertinent information, and make informed decisions about treatments or further investigations. They play a crucial role in the diagnostic process by outlining the presence and severity of an illness, as well as tracking its progression or response to treatment.
It is important to note that symptoms can often be subjective and vary among individuals. They may also overlap or mimic symptoms of other conditions, making diagnosis more challenging. Furthermore, symptoms can be influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and individual differences. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms in conjunction with medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests is typically necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Any morbid phenomenon or departure from the normal in function, appearance, or sensation, experienced by the patient and indicative of disease. For the various symptoms and varieties of symptoms, see below and also under phenomenon, reflex, sign, and syndrome.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Something that happens in concurrence with another thing; that which indicates disease; a mark; a token.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "symptom" comes from the Greek word "symptōma", which means "something that happens along with something else" or "a happening" in general. It is derived from the verb "symptō" meaning "I fall together" or "I happen together". The word was initially used in a general sense to describe any occurrence or happening, but it gradually began to be associated with medical conditions around the 16th century. From there, it developed its specific meaning of a physical or mental manifestation indicating the presence of a disease or condition, which is the commonly understood meaning of the word today.
