eclampsia

[ ih-klamp-see-uh ]

/ ɪˈklæmp si ə /

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noun Pathology.

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

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Origin of eclampsia

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

OTHER WORDS FROM eclampsia

ec·lamp·tic, adjective

Words nearby eclampsia

Eckermann, Eckert, Eckhart, éclair, éclaircissement, eclampsia, éclat, eclectic, eclecticism, eclipse, eclipse plumage

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use eclampsia in a sentence

Eclampsia, first described by Hippocrates 2,400 years ago, is the medical name for seizures during pregnancy.
Beyond ‘Downton Abbey’: Preeclampsia Maternal Deaths Continue Today|Eleni Tsigas, Christine Morton|January 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This operation is advocated by some obstetricians in certain cases of eclampsia and placenta prvia.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various
Poison was of course suspected; but her death was really caused by puerperal convulsions (eclampsia).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 7|Various
In eclampsia it diverts blood from the brain and depresses the motor neurons of the spinal cord.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation|Austin O'Malley

Peterson reviewed 500 cases of cesarean section for eclampsia done by 259 operators in various countries.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation|Austin O'Malley
Every pregnant woman should be watched to prevent eclampsia, if possible, because all are liable to this outcome.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation|Austin O'Malley

British Dictionary definitions for eclampsia

eclampsia

/ (ɪˈklæmpsɪə) /

noun

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 convulsionsCompare pre-eclampsia

another name for milk fever (in cattle)

Derived forms of eclampsia

eclamptic, adjective

Word Origin for eclampsia

C19: from New Latin, from Greek eklampsis a shining forth, from eklampein, from lampein to shine

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