red flag

'red flag'

Pediatrics A sentinel finding which may indicate a more extensive disease process. See Developmental red flag Science journalism An article in a peer-reviewed scientific journal which, when published, reaches startling conclusions that are likely to evoke wide interest and therefore appear in the lay news media–eg, Washington Post, NY Times, and others, which may be reported less for their scientific value than for their sensationalist impact. See 'Media epidemic.', Peer-reviewed journal Social medicine A popular term for subtle physical findings and behavioral patterns may indicate domestic abuse. See Domestic violence, Wife-abuser.