eclampsia

noun

eclamp·​sia i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə 

: a convulsive state

especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or childbirth

eclamptic

i-ˈklam(p)-tik 

adjective

Examples of eclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Magnesium is essential for a healthy pregnancy, helping to prevent and treat conditions such as eclampsia, high blood pressure, and preterm birth. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Sara had eclampsia, a stroke in pregnancy caused by persistent high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. —Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 20 Sep. 2024

Lucas shoots a gun at his father, and his mom collapses in pain — which turns out to be eclampsia. —Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 30 May 2024

To prevent or treat eclampsia, doctors sometimes give an at-risk expectant mother multiple injections of magnesium sulfate. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek éklampsis "violent onset, sudden development" (from eklámpein "to shine out, burst forth violently"—from ek- ec- + lámpein "to give light, shine"— + -sis -sis) + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1 — more at lamp

Note: In reference to a complication of pregnancy, short for New Latin eclampsia parturientium "convulsions of those giving birth."

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

eclampsia

noun

ec·​lamp·​sia i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə, e- 

: a convulsive state : an attack of convulsions: as

a

: convulsions or coma late in pregnancy in an individual affected with preeclampsia compare toxemia of pregnancy

b

: a condition comparable to milk fever of cows occurring in domestic animals (as dogs and cats)

eclamptic

i-ˈklam(p)-tik, e- 

adjective