Definition

A sign or symptom that appears before the main symptoms of a disease, indicating that it may be starting.

Example

The patient experienced a prodrome of headaches and fatigue before the flu fully developed.

Conversation

I read that a prodrome can be an early sign of getting sick.

Really? I had no idea it had a specific name.

Yeah, it can help you prepare before the full symptoms hit.

That makes sense; it's good to know what to look out for.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prodrome → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "dromos" (meaning running or course). The word refers to a symptom or sign that occurs before the onset of a disease, indicating a course that is about to run its path.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pro-') something 'running' ('dromos') — that's why prodrome refers to signs that appear before a disease starts.

Visually Confused Words