pathognomonic

adjective

pa·​tho·​gno·​mon·​ic ˌpa-thə(g)-nō-ˈmä-nik How to pronounce pathognomonic (audio)
: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pathognōmonicus, borrowed from Greek pathognōmonikós, from patho- patho- + gnōmonikós "judging by rule, capable of judging," from gnṓmōn "examiner, interpreter" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at gnomon

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathognomonic was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near pathognomonic

pathogenic

pathognomonic

pathognomy

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Cite this Entry

“Pathognomonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathognomonic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

pathognomonic

adjective
pa·​tho·​gno·​mon·​ic ˌpath-ə(g)-nō-ˈmän-ik How to pronounce pathognomonic (audio)
: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease or condition
erosions, which are virtually pathognomonic of GERD—Barbara Baker
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