Final answer:
Ailment refers to a bodily or mental condition causing discomfort or illness. The symptoms of the ailment had the family doctor puzzled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word ailment refers to a bodily or mental condition that is causing discomfort or illness. It is often used to describe a minor or chronic illness. In the given sentence, the symptoms of the ailment puzzled the family doctor, suggesting that the condition was not easily diagnosed or understood. Examples of ailments include headaches, stomachaches, anxiety, or depression.