symptomatic

adjective

symp·​tom·​at·​ic ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈma-tik 

1

a

: being a symptom of a disease

b

: having the characteristics of a particular disease but arising from another cause

symptomatic epilepsy resulting from brain damage

2

: concerned with, affecting, or having symptoms

symptomatic treatment

a symptomatic patient

3

: characteristic, indicative

his behavior was symptomatic of his character

symptomatically

ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• characteristic
• classic
• diagnostic
• diagnostical
• discriminating
• distinct
• distinctive
• distinguishing
• identifying
• individual
• peculiar
• proper
• typical

Examples of symptomatic in a Sentence

a fever's refusal to respond to antibiotics is symptomatic of a viral infection

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar, noted that both types of HSV infections are lifelong and can cause symptomatic genital ulcer disease (GUC). —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024

The committee recommended only a 3-day work restriction from the onset of symptoms, even if the HCW is still symptomatic, if they are improved and afebrile—this, despite abundant data that many people shed SARS-CoV2 virus for ten days or more. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Those two attacks were symptomatic of Fulham’s struggles around the box. —Peter Rutzler, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024

These hernias can be both symptomatic or asymptomatic. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symptomatic

• pre-symptomatic

Kids Definition

symptomatic

adjective

symp·​tom·​at·​ic ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈmat-ik 

1

a

: being a symptom (as of disease)

an itchy skin rash is symptomatic of poison ivy

b

: concerned with, affecting, or having symptoms

a symptomatic patient

2

: showing a quality or identity : characteristic

symptomatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

symptomatic

adjective

symp·​tom·​at·​ic ˌsim(p)-tə-ˈmat-ik 

1

a

: being a symptom of a disease

gummas symptomatic of syphilis

b

: having the characteristics of a particular disease but arising from another cause

symptomatic epilepsy resulting from brain damage

2

: concerned with or affecting symptoms

symptomatic treatment

3

: having symptoms

a symptomatic patient

symptomatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb