recurrence
noun
re·cur·rence
ri-ˈkər-ən(t)s 
-ˈkə-rən(t)s
plural recurrences
: a new occurrence of something that happened or appeared before : a repeated occurrence
Scientists are working to lower the disease's rate of recurrence.
Long-term drug therapy is associated with frequent recurrences and adverse effects, however.—
Melvin M. Scheinman
Melvin M. ScheinmanThe hypoallergenic diet is restored until the itching and scratching again disappear, following which potential allergens from the original diet are restored sequentially, one by one, into the dog's meals and the owner looks for indications of the allergy's recurrence.—Tom Ewing
Tom EwingAs a familiar shape its exact meaning may have been lost to some of the craftsmen who used it; however, its recurrence on a whole group of gravestones in Davidson County, North Carolina, suggests an association there with hope, rebirth, and the cycle of life and death.—Jessie Poesch
Jessie PoeschThe shortage is a result of a decline in Treasury issuance as well as banks' strengthening their balance sheets in preparation for rules designed to prevent a recurrence of the 2008 financial crisis.—Peter Coy and Liz Capo McCormick
Peter Coy and Liz Capo McCormickExamples of recurrence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With antibiotics only, the recurrence rate of appendicitis within a year is about 15-41%.8
Complicated Acute Appendicitis
Complicated appendicitis occurs when acute appendicitis advances to a more severe stage, often involving rupture.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 17 May 2025
The healthcare team creates a screening schedule for colon cancer recurrence.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025
After completing radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October, Bolton now undergoes MRI scans every two months to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer, People reported on Tuesday.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Support for accommodating vaccine exemptions in schoolchildren has risen over the past decade, even as experts point to a strong correlation between lower vaccination rates and a recurrence of the disease.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recurrence
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Brandi Jones, Health, 17 May 2025
The healthcare team creates a screening schedule for colon cancer recurrence.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025
After completing radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October, Bolton now undergoes MRI scans every two months to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer, People reported on Tuesday.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Support for accommodating vaccine exemptions in schoolchildren has risen over the past decade, even as experts point to a strong correlation between lower vaccination rates and a recurrence of the disease.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recurrence
Cite this Entry
“Recurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recurrence. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
recurrence
noun
re·cur·rence
ri-ˈkər-ən(t)s, -ˈkə-rən(t)s
1
: return of symptoms of a disease after a remission
2
: reappearance of a tumor after previous removal
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