Pickwickian syndrome

or Pickwick syndrome

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noun Pathology.

an abnormality characterized by extreme obesity accompanied by sleepiness, hypoventilation, and polycythemia.

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Origin of Pickwickian syndrome

First recorded in 1955–60; named for Joe, a character in Dickens' The Pickwick Papers who exhibited symptoms of the disorder

Words nearby Pickwickian syndrome

pick up the pieces, pickup tube, pickwick, Pickwickian, Pickwickianism, Pickwickian syndrome, Pickwick, Samuel, picky, picloram, picnic, picnic races

How to use Pickwickian syndrome in a sentence

Advanced maternal age dramatically increases the risk of maternal mortality as well as birth defects like Down Syndrome.
Men Will Someday Have Kids Without Women|Samantha Allen|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Jolly somehow finds the time to also manage a restaurant and help kids who have Autism and Down syndrome ride horses.
The Moms of Monster Jam Drive Trucks, Buck Macho Culture|Eliza Krigman|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We still have a long way to go, but it has improved dramatically since the post Vietnam syndrome when Vets were spit on.
McCain’s 13 Favorite Soldiers|Sandra McElwaine|November 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 1975, Sesame Street became the first children's program to feature someone with Down Syndrome.
‘Sesame Street’ Is Middle-Aged and Awesome|Emily Shire|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

However, the current thinking is that Merrick may have suffered from Proteus syndrome.
The True Story of ‘The Elephant Man’|Russell Saunders|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Saying this, Mrs. Pott smiled sweetly on the disturbed Pickwickian, and extended her hand towards him.
The Pickwick Papers|Charles Dickens
It can't harm anybody who, on the Pickwickian principle, "takes enough of it."
Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 99., December 27, 1890|Various
You agree to it in a certain sentimental Pickwickian sense, but you do not hold it as a living truth.
A New Atmosphere|Gail Hamilton
It is only within narrow limits, and then only in a Pickwickian sense, that honesty is the best policy.
The Theory of the Leisure Class|Thorstein Veblen
Green illustrated wrapper, depicting portraits of fourteen Pickwickian characters.
Dickens and His Illustrators|Frederic G. Kitton

Medical definitions for Pickwickian syndrome

pickwickian syndrome

[ pĭk-wĭk′ē-ən ]

A syndrome characterized by extreme obesity, hypoventilation, and general debility.