Definition

Referring to the period before symptoms of a disease appear, making it difficult to diagnose accurately.

Example

The presymptomatic phase of the illness can last for several days, during which the person may not feel unwell.

Conversation

I heard that some people can be presymptomatic with the flu.

Yeah, that makes it really hard to tell if someone is contagious.

Exactly! It's wild how you can feel fine but still spread it.

Right? We should probably be extra careful during flu season.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Presymptomatic → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "symptomatic" (from Greek "symptoma", meaning a symptom). The word "presymptomatic" refers to the state of being before the appearance of symptoms of a disease.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'symptomatic' relating to symptoms — this helps you remember that presymptomatic refers to the time before symptoms appear.

Visually Confused Words