grand mal

[ gran-mahl, -mal, grand; French grahn-mal ]

nounPathology.
  1. See under epilepsy.

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Origin of grand mal

1
1875–80; <French: great ailment, epilepsy

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British Dictionary definitions for grand mal

grand mal

/ (ɡrɒn mæl, French ɡrɑ̃ mal) /


noun
  1. a form of epilepsy characterized by loss of consciousness for up to five minutes and violent convulsions: Compare petit mal

Origin of grand mal

1
French: great illness

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