remission
rih-MISH-un
/rɪˈmɪʃ.ən/
A temporary or permanent decrease or disappearance of the signs and symptoms of an incurable or chronic disease.
Indicates symptom control or absence, but does not guarantee a complete biological cure.
The story behind the word. The Latin verb 'remittere' meant letting go of a rope or relaxing a rule. Medical scholars adapted the word to describe a disease relaxing its grip on the body.
Word relationships
- abatement: A lessening or reduction in intensity of pain or symptoms.
- respite: A temporary break or delay from discomfort or difficulty.
- relapse: The deterioration in health after a period of improvement.
- recurrence: The return of a disease after a period of absence.
Commonly confused with
- cure: Remission means symptoms have vanished or decreased, but the underlying disease could return; a cure eliminates it permanently.
Word family
- remit (verb): To diminish in intensity or send back.
- remittent (adjective): Fluctuating in severity over time.
Collocations
- complete remission
- spontaneous remission
- in remission
- achieve remission
Example sentences
- "After six months of intensive therapy, tests confirmed that the patient was in complete remission." Oncology Report
- "Regular therapeutic sessions helped maintain long-term remission of her major depressive disorder." Psychiatric Evaluation
Memory hook
RE (back) + MISSION. The disease is being sent BACK away from the patient. Disease sending back its grip.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a simple quick recovery from a minor acute condition like a head cold.
Fun facts
- 'Spontaneous remission' describes cases where a disease suddenly disappears without any clear medical intervention.
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