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Glite Dictionary
intercurrent

intercurrent

9.6
Happening during another illness or event and stopping it for a time
  • adjective
  • /ˌɪntərˈkɜːrənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : intercurrente
  • The patient experienced an intercurrent infection that complicated his recovery from surgery.

Diet, drugs, intercurrent infections, These are all things we know to affect microbiomes.

Examples

  • Patients also need to be made aware of sick day rules (advice for patients during intercurrent illness), which may enhance their awareness and fear of hypos.

    Academic text (2012)

  • The argument that RAAS blockers should be stopped in the perioperative setting or in cases of intercurrent illness is controversial.

    Academic text (2016)

  • Nothing intercurrent yet from standing bar to snow bar.

  • This may have weakened the magnitude of the association between job strain and MDD because of the intercurrent changes in work characteristics and mental health.

    Academic text (2012)

  • During her treatment, she faced several intercurrent illnesses that prolonged her hospital stay.

  • The doctor explained that an intercurrent illness can affect the overall management of a chronic condition.

Synonyms

interruptive
vsintercurrent
1 6.5

Causing a short break in activity or attention

happens during another event while causing interruption
intervening
vsintercurrent
4.8

Happening between two events or times

happens during another event while interrupting it rather than between events

Surface Forms

intercurrent positive

Morphology

intercurrent = current (semi-transparent) = inter + current

Formed by productive prefixation inter- + current, but the sense 'occurring during and interrupting another event' is a somewhat specialized usage that may not be predictable to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Intercurrent comes from the prefix inter- meaning 'between', as in international, and current from a root meaning 'to run' or 'flow', like a water 'current'. So an intercurrent illness or event is one that 'runs' in the middle of another one — it happens during and can interrupt the original event.