Arithmomania

/ˌærɪθmoʊˈmeɪniə/ noun

Definition

An obsessive compulsion to count things or perform calculations, a form of mental disorder.

Etymology

From Greek arithmos ('number') + mania ('madness' or 'excessive passion'). This is a clinical or psychological term that emerged in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Arithmomania describes people who can't stop counting—the tiles on a ceiling, steps walked, letters in words—it's a real psychological phenomenon showing how deeply numbers can grip the human mind.

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