epilepsy
[ep-uh-lep-see]
- 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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Origin of epilepsy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for epilepsy
Contemporary Examples
There are many written descriptions of physical disabilities, epilepsy, and mental illness from all eras.
In the 18th century, epilepsy marked a person as evil, full of sin, possessed by the devil.
Recently, they received a call from a man who suffers from epilepsy and was saved after his Hövding inflated during a seizure.
Helmet Haute Couture: The Invisible Helmet Revolutionizing Bike SafetyNina Strochlic
December 19, 2013
The young German had been diagnosed with epilepsy in 2010 and was on medication to manage the condition.
This video kicks off with a seizure warning for viewers with epilepsy.
Historical Examples
And in other cases, asthma, dropsy, and epilepsy are caused.
Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative, Vol. IHerbert Spencer
How long does it usually take for a man to recover from an attack of epilepsy?
The Shrieking PitArthur J. Rees
Have you ever seen any signs of epilepsy in Lady Penreath's son—the prisoner at the bar?
The Shrieking PitArthur J. Rees
I brought him back as if from a fit of epilepsy by the interjection of the word, "Siren."
Often it puts on the symptoms of epilepsy, or heart disease, or consumption.
The Physical Life of Woman:Dr. George H Napheys
epilepsy
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Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek, from epilambanein to attack, seize, from lambanein to take
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
epilepsy
(ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē)- 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
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
epilepsy
[ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē]
- Any of various neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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.
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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.