Syndrome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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syndrome

[หˆsษชndrษ™สŠm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

A syndrome is a group of symptoms that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms. Syndromes are often named after the person who discovered or described them.

Synonyms

complex, condition, disorder.

Examples of usage

  • The Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
  • The Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response in which hostages express empathy and sympathy towards their captors.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Some syndromes, like 'Stockholm Syndrome', describe an emotional bond that develops between captors and hostages.
  • In psychology, many syndromes relate to behavioral patterns, like 'Asperger's Syndrome', now categorized under Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Medicine

  • Syndromes can often help in the diagnosis of complex conditions; for instance, Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder identified by specific physical traits.
  • Some syndromes are named after the doctors who first described them, such as 'Marfan Syndrome', which affects connective tissue.

Pop Culture

  • Syndromes have been popularized in films and books, such as the 'Syndrome' character in Pixarโ€™s 'The Incredibles', a villain with a complex backstory.
  • The term is often used in media to describe situations where common themes emerge, like 'impostor syndrome' in the tech industry.

Social Science

  • Terms like 'impostor syndrome' reflect modern societal pressures, where individuals doubt their accomplishments despite evident success.
  • The rise of mental health awareness has brought attention to how specific syndromes affect individualsโ€™ lives and self-perception.

Origin of 'syndrome'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek 'syndromฤ“', meaning 'running together', referring to symptoms occurring simultaneously.
  • It was first used in medical terminology in the 19th century, highlighting its importance in diagnosing diseases.

The term 'syndrome' originated from the Greek word 'sundromฤ“', which means 'concurrence of symptoms'. The concept of syndromes has been present in medical literature for centuries, with the understanding that certain combinations of symptoms often occur together and can help in diagnosing specific conditions.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,730, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.