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epilepsy definition

epi·lepsy (ep′ə lep′sē)

noun

a recurrent disorder of the nervous system, characterized by seizures of excessive brain activity which cause mental and physical dysfunction, as convulsions, unconsciousness, etc.

Etymology: OFr epilepsie < LL epilepsia < Gr epilēpsia, epilēpsis, lit., a seizure, hence epilepsy < epilambanein, to seize upon < epi-, upon + lambanein, to seize: see latch

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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