Astracism

/ˈæstrəˌsɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A variant or related form sometimes used in medical or scientific contexts, though the more common term is ostracism.

Etymology

A rare or specialized variant possibly influenced by Greek 'astraktion' or confusion with similar-sounding words; the more established term 'ostracism' comes from Greek 'ostrakon' (pottery sherd).

Kelly Says

This word appears in very old medical texts but is essentially obsolete—it's a ghost word that shows how scientific terminology sometimes takes unusual paths before standardizing on other terms.

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