Apoplexy
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈæp.əˌplɛk.si/
Origin
Old English poplexye, Late Latin poplexia, apoplexia, from Ancient Greek ἀποπληξία, from ἀποπλήσσειν to cripple by a stroke; ἀπό (apo, "from") + πλήσσειν (plēssein, "to strike"): compare with French apoplexie. See plague.
Full definition of apoplexy
Noun
apoplexy
(plural apoplexies)- (symptom) Sudden diminution or loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion, usually caused by pressure on the brain.
- (colloquially) Great anger and excitement.
Usage notes
The term is now usually limited to cerebral apoplexy, or loss of consciousness due to effusion of blood or other lesion within the substance of the brain; but it is sometimes extended to denote an effusion of blood into the substance of any organ; as, apoplexy of the lung.