Definition

Referring to a condition or disease that does not show obvious symptoms or effects that can be detected by standard medical tests.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with a subclinical infection that did not show any visible symptoms.

Conversation

I read this article about subclinical conditions and how they can affect people without obvious symptoms.

That sounds interesting! I didn't realize those kinds of issues could go unnoticed.

Yeah, it’s kind of scary to think you might have something subclinical without even knowing it.

Definitely! It makes regular check-ups even more important.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subclinical → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "clinical" (from Greek "klinein", meaning to lean or to bed). The word "subclinical" refers to a condition that exists below the level of clinical detection or diagnosis.

Memory Tip

Think of something that exists 'under' ('sub-') the level of 'clinical' observation — that's why subclinical refers to conditions not easily detected.

Visually Confused Words