pathognomonic

adjective

pa·​tho·​gno·​mon·​ic ˌpa-thə(g)-nō-ˈmä-nik 

: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pathognōmonicus, borrowed from Greek pathognōmonikós, from patho- patho- + gnōmonikós "judging by rule, capable of judging," from gnṓmōn "examiner, interpreter" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at gnomon

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pathognomonic

adjective

pa·​tho·​gno·​mon·​ic ˌpath-ə(g)-nō-ˈmän-ik 

: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease or condition

erosions, which are virtually pathognomonic of GERD

—Barbara Baker