tarantism

or tar·ent·ism

[ tar-uhn-tiz-uhm ]

noun
  1. a mania characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance, especially as prevalent in southern Italy from the 15th to the 17th century, popularly attributed to the bite of the tarantula.

Origin of tarantism

1
From the New Latin word tarantismus, dating back to 1630–40. See Taranto, -ism

Other words from tarantism

  • tar·ant·ist, noun

Words Nearby tarantism

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How to use tarantism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tarantism

tarantism

/ (ˈtærənˌtɪzəm) /


noun
  1. a nervous disorder marked by uncontrollable bodily movement, widespread in S Italy during the 15th to 17th centuries: popularly thought to be caused by the bite of a tarantula

Origin of tarantism

1
C17: from New Latin tarantismus, from Taranto; see tarantula

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