Where does “symptom” come from?

Symptom comes from Ancient Greek σύμπτωμα, composed of σύν (together) and πίπτω (to fall), with the noun-forming suffix -μα, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European som- and sem-.

symptom (English): A perceived change in some function, sensation or...

Definitions

  1. A perceived change in some function, sensation or...

Ancestry of “symptom”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Ancient Greekσύμπτωμαanything that has befallen one, a chance,...
2Ancient GreekσυμπίπτωI fall together, meet violently; I fall upon,...
3Ancient Greekσῠν-together; with, together
4Ancient Greekσύνbeside, with
5Proto-Hellenic*ksúnbeside, with

Words derived from “symptom

Every word from Proto-Hellenic *ksúnEvery word from Ancient Greek σῠν-Every word from Ancient Greek σύν
symptom — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer