syncope

American  

[sing-kuh-pee, sin-] / ˈsɪŋ kəˌpi, ˈsɪn- /

noun

1. Grammar. the contraction of a word by omitting one or more sounds from the middle, as in the reduction of never to ne'er.

2. Pathology. brief loss of consciousness associated with transient cerebral anemia, as in heart block, sudden lowering of the blood pressure, etc.; fainting.

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syncope British  

/ ˈsɪŋkəpɪ, sɪŋˈkɒpɪk /

noun

1. pathol a technical word for a faint

2. the omission of one or more sounds or letters from the middle of a word

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Other Word Forms

• syncopal
  adjective
• syncopic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of syncope

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin syncopē, from Greek synkopḗ “a cutting short,” from syn- syn- + kopḗ “a cutting” (from kóptein “to cut”)

Example Sentences

"We also hope to more closely examine cerebral blood flow and neural pathways in the brain during the moment of syncope, to better understand this common but mysterious condition," they note.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

Interestingly, another meaning for syncope is to contract a word by omitting middle sounds or letters.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2022

There are four types of common heat illnesses that Lawrence says can range from minor to life-threatening, including heat syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 27, 2022

It is when children hold their breath when upset until they experience syncope, or passing out.

From Fox News • Feb. 17, 2022

I should have changed the subject to syncope in older adults to take Maddie’s mind off the fact that we are so far apart now on most issues that we practically live on different continents.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon