phrenitis

[ fri-nahy-tis ]

/ frɪˈnaɪ tɪs /

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noun Pathology.(formerly)

inflammation of the brain; encephalitis.

delirium; frenzy.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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Origin of phrenitis

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

Words nearby phrenitis

phreatophyte, phren-, phrenetic, -phrenia, phrenic, phrenitis, phreno-, phrenol., phrenology, phrensy, Phrixus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use phrenitis in a sentence

In the month of August the fevers with a stupor and phrenitis came on apace.
A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume II (of 2)|Charles Creighton
Many of these who had accustomed themselves to the liberal use of spirituous liquors miscarried in the phrenitis.
A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume II (of 2)|Charles Creighton
A horse laboring under an attack of phrenitis is as violent as a horse can be.
A Ride With A Mad Horse In A Freight-Car|W. H. H. Murray
In pathology, a dread of air (wind); a common symptom in hydrophobia, and occasionally present in hysteria and phrenitis.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

Would any rational practitioner, in a case of phrenitis, or in the delirium of fever, order his patient to be scourged?
Observations on Madness and Melancholy|John Haslam

British Dictionary definitions for phrenitis

phrenitis

/ (frɪˈnaɪtɪs) /

noun rare

another name for encephalitis

a state of frenzy; delirium

Derived forms of phrenitis

phrenitic (frɪˈnɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for phrenitis

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

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