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side effect
noun
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects
called also side reaction
Examples of side effect in a Sentence
Nausea and diarrhea are the side effects of the drug.
the harmful side effects of using chemicals to kill insects
The merger created positive side effects for both companies.
Recent Examples on the Web
It is believed to be a side effect of the poisoning.
—Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, mouth ulcers, fatigue, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effects.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Drug side effects: Some drugs may cause neuropathic pain in the feet and related symptoms.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
It’s always been my interest and my fascination and all of my writing, my music, my art, everything has been a side effect of that journey.
—Charles Moss, SPIN, 23 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1814, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near side effect
Cite this Entry
“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
side effect
noun
: an often harmful and unwanted effect (as of a drug) that occurs along with the basic desired effect
the environmental side effects of using chemicals to kill pests
Medical Definition
side effect
noun
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects
a side effect of drowsiness caused by antihistamines
called also side reaction
More from Merriam-Webster on side effect
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for side effect
Nglish: Translation of side effect for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of side effect for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about side effect
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