Prodrome is a noun that refers to an early symptom indicating the onset of a disease or illness.

The Latin prefix P-R-O means ‘before,’ while the Greek word ‘dromos’ (DRO mose) means ‘running.’ This combination gives us a word that suggests an indication of something before it actually takes place. Here’s an example:

I was afraid that my sore throat was a prodrome of some kind of illness, but I soon realized it was just a symptom of screaming too loud at the TV every time our lousy football team played.