'symptom' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'σύμπτωμα' (symptoma), where 'sym-' meant 'together' and 'ptoma' meant 'falling'.

'σύμπτωμα' transformed into the Latin word 'symptoma', and eventually became the modern English word 'symptom' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a chance occurrence', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an indication of disease'.