1 eclampsia | Definition of eclampsia
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eclampsia

noun
eclamp·​sia | \ i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce eclampsia (audio) \

Definition of eclampsia

: a convulsive state especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or childbirth
Other Words from eclampsia Example Sentences Learn More about eclampsia

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Other Words from eclampsia

eclamptic \ -​ˈklam(p)-​tik How to pronounce eclamptic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of eclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Black mothers died most often from heart conditions and blood pressure complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. — Anna Claire Vollers | Avollers@al.com, al.com, "Deaths from pregnancy and child birth are often preventable; Alabama finally starts to take notice," 9 June 2019 Athleta Felix gave birth to her daughter, Camryn, in November 2018 through emergency C-section at 32 weeks after suffering severe pre-eclampsia. — Fortune, "Athleta Sponsors Its First Athlete, Allyson Felix," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eclampsia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of eclampsia

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for eclampsia

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek éklampsis "violent onset, sudden development" (from eklámpein "to shine out, burst forth violently"—from ek- ec- + lámpein "to give light, shine"— + -sis -sis) + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1 — more at lamp

Note: In reference to a complication of pregnancy, short for New Latin eclampsia parturientium "convulsions of those giving birth."

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More Definitions for eclampsia

eclampsia

noun
ec·​lamp·​sia | \ i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə, e- How to pronounce eclampsia (audio) \

Medical Definition of eclampsia

: a convulsive state : an attack of convulsions: as
a : convulsions or coma late in pregnancy in an individual affected with preeclampsia — compare toxemia of pregnancy
b : a condition comparable to milk fever of cows occurring in domestic animals (as dogs and cats)

Other Words from eclampsia

eclamptic \ i-​ˈklam(p)-​tik, e-​ How to pronounce eclamptic (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on eclampsia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eclampsia

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