noun pl. crises -·ses′ (-sēz′)

1. 1. the turning point of a disease for better or worse, esp. a sudden recovery
   2. an intensely painful attack of a disease; paroxysm
2. a turning point in the course of anything; decisive or crucial time, stage, or event
3. a time of great danger or trouble, often one which threatens to result in unpleasant consequences an economic crisis

Etymology: L < Gr krisis < krinein, to separate, discern < IE *(s)krei-, to sift, separate < base *(s)ker-, to cut > shear, L cernere, to separate, Ger rein, pure