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tarantism
or tar·ent·ism
[ tar-uhn-tiz-uhm ]
/ ˈtær ənˌtɪz əm /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a mania characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance, especially as prevalent in southern Italy from the 15th to the 17th century, popularly attributed to the bite of the tarantula.
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Compare tarantula (def. 3).
OTHER WORDS FROM tarantism
tar·ant·ist, nounWords nearby tarantism
Taranaki wind, tar and feather, tarantass, tarantella, Tarantino, tarantism, Taranto, tarantula, Tarantula nebula, Tarapoto, Tararua biscuit
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tarantism in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tarantism
tarantism
/ (ˈtærənˌtɪzəm) /
noun
a nervous disorder marked by uncontrollable bodily movement, widespread in S Italy during the 15th to 17th centuries: popularly thought to be caused by the bite of a tarantula
Word Origin for tarantism
C17: from New Latin tarantismus, from Taranto; see tarantula
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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