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eclampsia

American  
[ih-klamp-see-uh] / ɪˈklæmp si ə /

noun

Pathology.
  1. a form of toxemia of pregnancy, characterized by albuminuria, hypertension, and convulsions.


eclampsia British  
/ ɪˈklæmpsɪə /

noun

  1. pathol a toxic condition of unknown cause that sometimes develops in the last three months of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal weight gain and convulsions Compare pre-eclampsia

  2. another name for milk fever (in cattle)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of eclampsia

1855–60; < New Latin < Greek éklamps ( is ) sudden development ( ek- ec- + lámp ( ein ) to shine + -sis -sis + -ia -ia

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He specializes in treating high-risk pregnancies, from cases of eclampsia, hypertension, or gestational diabetes to patients with multiple fetuses.

From Slate Jun. 16, 2026

For instance, no one disputes that a death from eclampsia, a dangerous condition provoked by pregnancy, qualifies as a maternal death and is properly included when calculating the mortality rate.

From Science Magazine Mar. 18, 2024

Research has shown that young teens have a greater risk of developing postpartum blood loss and eclampsia, a condition marked by seizures and high blood pressure.

From Salon Feb. 12, 2024

The rates of HDP, which include preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational hypertension, more than doubled between 2007-2019 in the U.S., with Hispanic/Latina women having the highest rate of over 60 cases per 1000 live births.

From Science Daily Dec. 4, 2023

The trouble with Angela's system, in addition to a weak heart, was that it was complicated at the time of her delivery by that peculiar manifestation of nervous distortion or convulsions known as eclampsia.

From The "Genius" by Dreiser, Theodore

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