What term refers to observable evidence of disease?

The term that refers to observable evidence of disease is "sign." Signs are objective findings that can be observed and measured by a healthcare professional. These may include physical examination findings such as a rash, swelling, irregular heartbeat, or elevated blood pressure. Signs are important in the diagnostic process, as they provide concrete evidence that can help healthcare providers understand the presence or progression of a disease.

In contrast, symptoms are sensations or experiences reported by the patient, such as pain, fatigue, or nausea. These are subjective and cannot be directly observed by healthcare professionals. A diagnosis represents a conclusion drawn about a patient's condition based on the signs, symptoms, and various diagnostic tests. A condition generally refers to the state of health or disease but does not specifically equate to observable evidence.