Epilepsy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɛpɪlÉ›psi/

Origin

Since 16th century; from Old French epilepsie, from Latin epilēpsia, from Ancient Greek ἐπιληψία, from ἐπιλαμβάνω (epilambanō, "I seize"), from ἐπί (epi, "upon") + λαμβάνω (lambanō, "I take").

Full definition of epilepsy

Noun

1. (pathology) A medical condition in which the sufferer experiences seizures (or convulsions) and blackouts.
• Jeremy TaylorEpilepsies, or fallings and reelings, and beastly vomitings. The least of these, even when the tongue begins to be untied, is a degree of drunkenness.

Derived terms

• epileptic
• epileptiform