epilepsy

[ ep-uh-lep-see ]
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nounPathology.
  1. a disorder of the nervous system, characterized either by mild, episodic loss of attention or sleepiness (petit mal ) or by severe convulsions with loss of consciousness (grand mal ).

Origin of epilepsy

1
First recorded in 1570–80; from Old French epilepsie, from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek epilēpsía “epileptic seizure,” derivative of epilambánein “to take hold of, seize, attack”; see epi-, -lepsy

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British Dictionary definitions for epilepsy

epilepsy

/ (ˈɛpɪˌlɛpsɪ) /


noun
  1. a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions. In some cases it is due to brain damage but in others the cause is unknown: See also grand mal, petit mal

Origin of epilepsy

1
C16: from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek, from epilambanein to attack, seize, from lambanein to take

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

Scientific definitions for epilepsy

epilepsy

[ ĕpə-lĕp′sē ]


  1. Any of various neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for epilepsy

epilepsy

[ (ep-uh-lep-see) ]


A disorder of the brain characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of abnormal brain function, often resulting in convulsions or seizures. The seizures associated with epilepsy can sometimes be controlled by medication.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.