catalepsy
or cat·a·lep·sis
[ kat-l-ep-see ]
/ ˈkæt lˌɛp si /
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noun Pathology, Psychiatry.
a physical condition usually associated with catatonic schizophrenia, characterized by suspension of sensation, muscular rigidity, fixity of posture, and often by loss of contact with environment.
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Origin of catalepsy
OTHER WORDS FROM catalepsy
cat·a·lep·tic, adjective, nouncat·a·lep·ti·cal·ly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use catalepsy in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for catalepsy
catalepsy
/ (ˈkætəˌlɛpsɪ) /
noun
a state of prolonged rigid posture, occurring for example in schizophrenia or in hypnotic trances
Derived forms of catalepsy
cataleptic, adjectiveWord Origin for catalepsy
C16: from Medieval Latin catalēpsia, variant of Late Latin catalēpsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally: a seizing, from katalambanein to hold down, from kata- down + lambanein to grasp
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for catalepsy
catalepsy
[ kăt′l-ĕp′sē ]
n.
A condition that occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders and is characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed.
Other words from catalepsy
cat′a•lep′tic (kăt′l-ĕp′tĭk) adj.cat′a•lep′toid′ adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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