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epilepsy

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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Since 16th century; borrowed from French épilepsie, from Latin epilēpsia, from Ancient Greek ἐπιληψίᾱ (epilēpsíā), from ἐπιλαμβάνω (epilambánō, I seize), from ἐπι- (epi-, upon) + λαμβάνω (lambánō, I take). Displaced native Old English fiellesēocnes (literally falling sickness).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈɛpɪlɛpsi/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Hyphenation: ep‧i‧lep‧sy

Noun

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epilepsy (countable and uncountable, plural epilepsies)

  1. (pathology) A medical condition in which the sufferer experiences seizures (or convulsions) and blackouts.
    • 1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. [], 2nd edition, London: [] Francis Ashe [], →OCLC:
      Epilepsies, or fallings and reelings, and beastly vomitings. The least of these, even when the tongue begins to be untied, is a degree of drunkenness.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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