phrenitis

[ fri-nahy-tis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. inflammation of the brain; encephalitis.
2. delirium; frenzy.

phrenitis

/ frɪˈnɪtɪk; frɪˈnaɪtɪs /

noun

1. another name for encephalitis
2. a state of frenzy; delirium

Derived Forms

• phrenitic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phrenitis¹

1615–25; < Late Latin phrenītis delirium, frenzy < Greek phrenîtis. See phren-, -itis

Word History and Origins

Origin of phrenitis¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek: delirium, from phrēn mind, diaphragm + -itis

Example Sentences

In the month of August the fevers with a stupor and phrenitis came on apace.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of these who had accustomed themselves to the liberal use of spirituous liquors miscarried in the phrenitis.

From Project Gutenberg

A horse laboring under an attack of phrenitis is as violent as a horse can be.

From Project Gutenberg

In pathology, a dread of air (wind); a common symptom in hydrophobia, and occasionally present in hysteria and phrenitis.

From Project Gutenberg

Would any rational practitioner, in a case of phrenitis, or in the delirium of fever, order his patient to be scourged?

From Project Gutenberg