epilepsy

noun

ep·​i·​lep·​sy ˈe-pə-ˌlep-sē 

plural epilepsies

: any of various disorders marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden brief episodes of altered or diminished consciousness, involuntary movements, or convulsions

Examples of epilepsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Boyce, who had been living with epilepsy, died in July 2019 after suffering a seizure in his sleep. —Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people with medical conditions like bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and kidney problems should consult a healthcare provider before taking taurine supplements. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Brain lesions may be the cause of seizures and removing these lesions can give patients a cure for epilepsy. —Randy Bean, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Aguilar says the company’s interfaces may also have applications for treating stroke and epilepsy patients. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English epilencie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French epelempsie, modification of Late Latin epilepsia, from Greek epilēpsia, from epilambanein to seize, from epi- + lambanein to take, seize — more at latch

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing epilepsy

• anti-epilepsy
• grand mal epilepsy

Kids Definition

epilepsy

noun

ep·​i·​lep·​sy ˈep-ə-ˌlep-sē 

: a disorder marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, by attacks of convulsions, and by loss of consciousness

Medical Definition

epilepsy

noun

ep·​i·​lep·​sy ˈep-ə-ˌlep-sē 

plural epilepsies

: any of various disorders marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden brief episodes of altered or diminished consciousness, involuntary movements, or convulsions see absence epilepsy, grand mal sense 1, petit mal sense 1 focal epilepsy, jacksonian epilepsy, myoclonic epilepsy, temporal lobe epilepsy