Apsychia

/æpˈsɪkiə/ noun

Definition

A medical or philosophical term describing a state of unconsciousness or loss of consciousness.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) + psychia (from psyche, meaning 'soul' or 'mind'). The term literally means 'without soul/mind' and was used in ancient and medieval medical texts to describe states of unconsciousness or syncope.

Kelly Says

Ancient Greeks believed consciousness was literally your 'soul'—so when they said apsychia, they meant your soul temporarily checked out of your body!

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