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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
The technique has been used to treat epilepsy and depression for decades, and in 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it to treat mobility issues caused by stroke.
—R. Douglas Fields, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024
Sleep deprivation can trigger a seizure in people who have epilepsy.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024
Yaa heard afterward that her epilepsy had been cured.
—Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024
The parents said Russell helped her two children through challenges, including her son's childhood epilepsy.
—Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for epilepsy
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epilepsy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
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Cite this Entry
“Epilepsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epilepsy. Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on epilepsy
Nglish: Translation of epilepsy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of epilepsy for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epilepsy
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