Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

phrenitis

American  
[fri-nahy-tis] / frɪˈnaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.
  1. inflammation of the brain; encephalitis.

  2. delirium; frenzy.


phrenitis British  
/ frɪˈnɪtɪk, frɪˈnaɪtɪs /

noun

  1. another name for encephalitis

  2. a state of frenzy; delirium

"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

Other Word Forms

  • phrenitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of phrenitis

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Alexander has much to say with regard to phrenitis, a febrile condition complicated by delirium, which, following Galen, he considers an affection of the brain.

From Project Gutenberg

The doctor who had been called in from outside named the disease phrenitis.

From Project Gutenberg

He found in his autopsy observations confirmation of this view and concludes that "madness is to phrenitis what pulmonary consumption is to pneumony, that is, a chronic state of an acute disease."

From Project Gutenberg

The pulpit of the Parish Church will stand for ever before he upsets it, and he will never approach that altitude of polemical phrenitis which will induce him to smash any part of it.

From Project Gutenberg