Definition of chronic

The word "chronic" has its roots in the Greek word "chronos," meaning time. In medicine, the term was first used in the 14th century to describe diseases that were characterized by a slow and continuous course, rather than an acute or sudden onset. This sense of "chronic" referred to the long duration of the disease, rather than its severity. In the 16th century, the term began to be used more broadly to describe any condition that persisted over a long period of time, regardless of its underlying cause. This sense of "chronic" is still widely used today, particularly in fields such as medicine and psychology. Over time, the meaning of "chronic" has expanded to include a sense of nagging or persistent problems, such as chronic stress or chronic fatigue. Despite this expansion, the word's roots in the concept of time and duration remain a fundamental part of its meaning.