recurrence
UK[rɪˈkʌrəns]US[rɪˈkɜːrəns]
n
the fact of happening or occurring again, especially after a period of time
n
(medicine) the return of a disease or symptoms after a period of improvement or remission
Morpheme Breakdown
re
curr
ence
re
again
curr
run
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
the word "recurrence" is built upon the latin verb "currere," meaning "to run," which itself traces back to the proto-indo-european root kers-, also signifying "to run." the prefix "re-" adds the sense of "back" or "again." thus, the literal combination "re-curr-" paints a picture of something "running back" or "returning." the suffix "-ence" then transforms this action into an abstract noun denoting the state or instance of that return. over time, this concrete image of running back evolved into the modern abstract meaning of something happening again, particularly an event or, in medical contexts, the return of a disease.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + curr (run) + ence (noun suffix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
curr: latin origin, from the verb "currere" meaning "to run". it functions as the root.
ence: latin origin, a noun-forming suffix indicating a state, quality, or action.
Examples
the doctor was concerned about a possible recurrence of the infection.
we need to put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
the novel explores the recurrence of certain themes throughout history.