epilepsy

American  

[ep-uh-lep-see] / ˈɛp əˌlɛp si /

noun

Pathology.

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.

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epilepsy British  

/ 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

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epilepsy Scientific  

/ ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē /

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

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epilepsy Cultural  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of epilepsy

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”; epi-, -lepsy ( def. )

Example Sentences

Children with the condition suffer severe epilepsy, including seizures which can cause them to lose consciousness.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Noa-Rose, who is now seven, is among the one in five survivors left with life-altering conditions, including epilepsy, fatigue and developmental delay.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

For example, mutations in genes that produce CoA transporters have been linked to encephalopmyopathy, a condition that may involve developmental delays, epilepsy, and reduced muscle tone.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

"We feel robbed, Nicola was handling her epilepsy, taking her medication which was reviewed periodically but she nor us knew anything about sudden unexpected death," Jo-Ann said.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Black men, women, and children suffering with everything from dementia and tuberculosis to “nervousness,” “lack of self-confidence,” and epilepsy were packed into every conceivable space, including windowless basement rooms and barred-in porches.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

• contraction
• cramp
• paroxysm
• seizure
• tremor