pseudocyesis

noun

pseu·​do·​cy·​e·​sis ˌsü-dō-sī-ˈē-səs How to pronounce pseudocyesis (audio)
: a psychosomatic state that occurs without conception and is marked by some of the physical symptoms and changes in hormonal balance of pregnancy

Examples of pseudocyesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Defense attorneys tried to argue that Montgomery was suffering from pseudocyesis and was in a dissociative state at the time of the murder. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 11 Jan. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from pseud- + cyesis pregnancy, from Greek kyēsis, from kyein to be pregnant — more at cyme

First Known Use

circa 1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pseudocyesis was circa 1817

Dictionary Entries Near pseudocyesis

Cite this Entry

“Pseudocyesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pseudocyesis. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

pseudocyesis

noun
pseu·​do·​cy·​e·​sis -sī-ˈē-səs How to pronounce pseudocyesis (audio)
plural pseudocyeses -ˌsēz How to pronounce pseudocyesis (audio)
: a psychosomatic state that occurs without conception and is marked by some of the physical symptoms (as cessation of menses, enlargement of the abdomen, and apparent fetal movements) and changes in hormonal balance of pregnancy

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