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catalepsy

noun
cat·​a·​lep·​sy | \ ˈka-tə-ˌlep-sē How to pronounce catalepsy (audio) \
plural catalepsies

Definition of catalepsy

: a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed
Other Words from catalepsy Example Sentences Learn More about catalepsy

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Other Words from catalepsy

cataleptic \ ˌka-​tə-​ˈlep-​tik How to pronounce cataleptic (audio) \ adjective or noun
cataleptically \ ˌka-​tə-​ˈlep-​ti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce cataleptically (audio) \ adverb

Examples of catalepsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Raphael, the expedition guide, has a form of catalepsy and sleeps for decades at a time. — Sara Wheeler, New York Times, "A 19th-Century Smuggler in the Peruvian Andes," 15 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of catalepsy

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for catalepsy

Middle English catalempsi, from Medieval Latin catalepsia, from Late Latin catalepsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally, act of seizing, from katalambanein to seize, from kata- + lambanein to take — more at latch

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More Definitions for catalepsy

catalepsy

noun
cat·​a·​lep·​sy | \ ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌep-sē How to pronounce catalepsy (audio) \
plural catalepsies

Medical Definition of catalepsy

: a trancelike state of consciousness (as that occurring in catatonic schizophrenia) that is marked by a loss of voluntary motion and a fixed posture in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed — compare waxy flexibility

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