chronic

chron-ic · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (Of an illness or condition) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

  2. 2.

    (Of a problem) long-lasting and difficult to eradicate.

  3. 3.

    (British, informal) Very bad or severe.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chronic fatigue syndrome — A complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue.
  • •
    chronic condition — A health condition lasting three months or more.
  • •
    chronic pain — Pain that persists beyond normal healing time.

Related words

Antonyms: acute, short-term, temporary
See also: acute, disease, persistent
Synonyms: habitual, long-lasting, ongoing, persistent

Etymology

From French chronique, from Latin chronicus, from Greek khronikos ("of time"), from khronos ("time"). The medical sense developed in the 17th century to contrast with "acute."