hectic
hectic definition
hec·tic (hek′tik)
adjective
- designating or of the fever accompanying wasting diseases, esp. tuberculosis
- of, affected with, or characteristic of a wasting disease, as tuberculosis; consumptive
- red or flushed, as with fever
- characterized by confusion, rush, excitement, etc.
Etymology: altered (after Fr or L) < ME etik < OFr étique (Fr hectique) < LL hecticus < Gr hektikos, habitual, hectic < hexis, permanent condition or habit of the body < echein, to have: for IE base see school
Related Forms:
- hectically hec′·ti·cally adverb
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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