Definition of Symptom: A symptom is a physical or mental feature that is regarded as an indication of a condition or disease, particularly one apparent to the patient rather than to medical professionals. Symptoms can vary widely in their nature, severity, and duration and are often the initial signals that prompt individuals to seek medical attention. Common examples include fever, pain, fatigue, or anxiety. Symptoms differ from signs, which are observed by a healthcare provider during an examination.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘symptom’ comes from the Late Latin ‘symptoma’, which in turn is derived from the Greek ‘symptōma’, meaning ‘a happening, accident, disease’. The Greek word is composed of ‘syn-‘, meaning ‘together’, and ‘piptein’, meaning ‘to fall’, suggesting an occurrence or manifestation. Historically, the concept of symptoms has been integral to the practice of medicine, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
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