intercurrently

Intercurrently is an adverb that describes something happening at the same time as something else, or in the midst of another event. It suggests that a secondary occurrence takes place while a primary one is already in progress or has recently concluded. The term is often used in medical contexts to describe a condition or event that arises or is treated during the course of another illness or medical procedure. For example, a patient might develop a secondary infection intercurrently with their primary disease. It can also be used in broader contexts to indicate that something happens alongside or during another activity, without necessarily being directly caused by it. The word originates from Latin, combining "inter-" meaning "between" or "among" and "currere" meaning "to run." Therefore, its literal meaning relates to running or happening between other events. When something occurs intercurrently, it is not the main focus but exists within the timeframe of a more prominent activity or situation.