Dictionary.com
definitions

epilepsy

[ep-uh-lep-see]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR epilepsy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Pathology.

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).

RELATED CONTENT

iWatchRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
KlonopinRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

tremor, cramp, contraction, seizure, paroxysm, attack, contortion, fit, throe

Origin of epilepsy

1570–80; < Late Latin epilēpsia < Greek epilēpsía epileptic seizure, equivalent to epílēpt(os) suffering from epilepsy (verbid of epilambánein to get hold of, attack; epi- epi- + lambánein to seize) + -ia -y3, with ti > si
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for epilepsy

British Dictionary definitions for epilepsy

epilepsy

noun

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 unknownSee also grand mal, petit mal

Word Origin for epilepsy

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
Word Origin and History for epilepsy
n.

1570s, from Middle French epilepsie (16c.), from Late Latin epilepsia, from Greek epilepsia "seizure," from epi "upon" (see epi-) + lepsis "seizure," from leps-, future stem of lambanein "take hold of, grasp" (see analemma).

Earlier was epilencie (late 14c.), from Middle French epilence, with form influenced by pestilence. The native name was falling sickness.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for epilepsy

epilepsy

[ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē]

n.

Any of various neurological disorders characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of motor, sensory, or psychic malfunction with or without loss of consciousness or convulsive seizures.seizure disorder
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for epilepsy

epilepsy

[ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē]

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.
Culture 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.