Definition

Describing the early signs or symptoms that occur before the main symptoms of a disease appear.

Example

The patient experienced prodromal symptoms such as fatigue and headache before the flu fully developed.

Conversation

I heard you were feeling unwell recently.

Yeah, I think I had some prodromal symptoms before it got worse.

That's tough! What were your symptoms like at first?

Mostly just fatigue and a slight headache, but it was indicative of something more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prodromal → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "dromos" (meaning running or course). The term describes symptoms that occur before the onset of a disease, indicating a course that is about to happen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'dromos' meaning 'running' — this helps you remember that prodromal refers to symptoms that run before the main illness.

Visually Confused Words