Syndrome
noun /ˈsɪn.droʊm/ — A group of symptoms that consistently occur together
Definition
A group of symptoms or features that consistently occur together and characterise a particular medical condition, behavioural pattern, or social phenomenon. A syndrome is a signature — a recognisable cluster.
Beyond the definition
Syndrome is the word for patterns that repeat — not random but grouped, not isolated but characteristic. Once named, syndromes become easier to recognise, treat, and discuss. The naming is itself a kind of medicine.
Origin & history
Greek: syndromē (concurrence, running together), from syn- (together) + dromos (running, course). A syndrome runs together — its features appear as a group.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The syndrome presented with three classic features — once you knew what to look for, it was unmistakable.
Imposter syndrome is the syndrome of those who have succeeded despite convincing themselves they haven't.
Naming a syndrome is the first step to understanding it.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Syndrome” when the meaning fits your context: A group of symptoms or features that consistently occur together and characterise a particular medical condition, behavioural pattern, or social phenomenon. A syndrome is a signature — a recognisable cluster.
Synonyms
condition, complex, cluster of symptoms
Antonyms
isolated symptom, single condition
Related words
Syndrome vs disease
A syndrome is a cluster of symptoms occurring together that may have many causes. A disease has a specific, identifiable cause or pathological mechanism.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Layered Signature of Society
People at different levels of a stone staircase wear distinct, hierarchical styles of clothing.
The distinct, stratified clothing styles across the staircase form a recognizable signature of social structure. This cluster of features characterizes the caste system, much like a syndrome groups consistent symptoms to define a specific medical or social phenomenon.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Syndrome" mean?
Syndrome is noun meaning: A group of symptoms that consistently occur together. A group of symptoms or features that consistently occur together and characterise a particular medical condition, behavioural pattern, or social phenomenon. A syndrome is a signature — a recognisable cluster.
Where does the word "Syndrome" come from?
Greek: syndromē (concurrence, running together), from syn- (together) + dromos (running, course). A syndrome runs together — its features appear as a group.