Catalepsies

/ˈkætəlɛpsiːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of catalepsy; multiple instances or cases of a medical condition involving sudden loss of consciousness and muscular rigidity.

Etymology

Plural form of catalepsy, from Greek katálēpsis (a seizing, seizure) derived from katalambanein (to seize, grasp). The -ies ending indicates plural.

Kelly Says

Catalepsies fascinated Victorian-era doctors who sometimes confused them with death—bodies would become rigid and unresponsive, leading to tragic instances of premature burial!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.