pathognomonic
adjective
pa·tho·gno·mon·ic ˌpa-thə(g)-nō-ˈmä-nik 
: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin pathognōmonicus, borrowed from Greek pathognōmonikós, from patho- patho- + gnōmonikós "judging by rule, capable of judging," from gnṓmōn "examiner, interpreter" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at gnomon
First Known Use
1625, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
pathognomonic
adjective
pa·tho·gno·mon·ic ˌpath-ə(g)-nō-ˈmän-ik
: distinctively characteristic of a particular disease or condition
erosions, which are virtually pathognomonic of GERD
Barbara Baker
Barbara Baker