catalepsy

catalepsy definition - medical

cat·a·lep·sy (kătˈl-ĕpˌsē)

noun
A condition that occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders and is characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed.

Related Forms:

  • catˌa·lepˈtic (kătˌl-ĕpˈtĭk) adjective

Related Forms:

  • catˌa·lepˈtoidˌ adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.