syndrome

noun

syn·​drome ˈsin-ˌdrōm How to pronounce syndrome (audio)
also
-drəm How to pronounce syndrome (audio)
1
: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition
2
: a set of concurrent things (such as emotions or actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern

Did you know?

Combining its two Greek roots, syndrome means basically "running together". So when diagnosing a condition or disease, doctors tend to look for a group of symptoms existing together. As long as a set of symptoms remains mysterious, it may be referred to as a specific syndrome. But if that name is used for a while, it may become the condition's permanent name, even after an underlying cause has been found. So today we have Down syndrome, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Asperger's syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, Tourette's syndrome, sick building syndrome, and many more. And since mental conditions often turn out to have physical causes, syndrome is used in psychology as well as in medicine.

Examples of syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And there was the open-heart surgery in 2019 that Crockett underwent for a congenital rhythm disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2025 Diedrich has a rare injury called slipping rib syndrome. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 Self-doubt and imposter syndrome hold people back more than outside forces. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 In general, the outlook for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is not promising. Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for syndrome

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek syndromē combination, syndrome, from syn- + dramein to run — more at dromedary

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of syndrome was in 1541

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Cite this Entry

“Syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syndrome. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

syndrome

noun
syn·​drome ˈsin-ˌdrōm How to pronounce syndrome (audio)
: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition

Medical Definition

syndrome

noun
syn·​drome
ˈsin-ˌdrōm also -drəm
: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality

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