crises

Variant of crisis

noun pl. crises

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

Origin: 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Learn more about crises

link/cite print suggestion box