narcolepsy
[ nahr-kuh-lep-see ]
/ ˈnɑr kəˌlɛp si /
noun Pathology.
a condition characterized by frequent and uncontrollable periods of deep sleep.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
narcoanalysis, narcodiagnosis, narcodollar, narcohypnia, narcohypnosis, narcolepsy, narcoma, narcomania, narcomaniac, narcomaniacal, narcose
Origin of narcolepsy
Related formsnar·co·lep·tic, adjective, noun
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British Dictionary definitions for narcolepsy
narcolepsy
/ (ˈnɑːkəˌlɛpsɪ) /
noun
pathol a rare condition characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep
Derived Formsnarcoleptic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for narcolepsy
narcolepsy
1880, from French narcolepsie, coined 1880 by French physician Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau (1859-1928) from comb. form of Greek narke "numbness, stupor" (see narcotic) + lepsis "an attack, seizure," from leps-, future stem of lambanein "take hold of, grasp" (see analemma). Related: Narcoleptic; narcolept.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for narcolepsy
narcolepsy
[ när′kə-lĕp′sē ]
n.
A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable, though often brief, attacks of deep sleep, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations.hypnolepsy
Related formsnar′co•lep′tic (-lĕp′tĭk) adj. n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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