syncope

syn·co·pe

noun \ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē, ˈsin-\

Definition of SYNCOPE

1

: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint

2

: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the interior of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)

— syn·co·pal \-kə-pəl\ adjective

Examples of SYNCOPE

1. <syncope has been reported in a small percentage of patients taking the drug>

Origin of SYNCOPE

Late Latin, from Greek synkopē, literally, cutting short, from synkoptein to cut short, from syn- + koptein to cut — more at capon

First Known Use: circa 1550

Related to SYNCOPE

Synonyms

blackout, insensibility, knockout, swim, swoon, faint

Related Words

daze, stupor, trance; drowsiness, narcosis, sleep, somnolence

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

syn·co·pe

noun \ˈsiŋ-kə-pē, ˈsin-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SYNCOPE

: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint

syncope

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Effect of temporary impairment of blood circulation to a part of the body. It is often used as a synonym for fainting, which is loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain. Paleness, nausea, sweating, and then pupil dilation, yawning, deep rapid breathing, and rapid heartbeat usually precede it. It lasts from under a minute to several minutes and may be followed by headache, confusion, and a weak feeling. The cause may be physical (e.g., heart failure, low blood sugar) or emotional (e.g., fear, anxiety). Abnormal vagus or autonomic nerve response can cause fainting (without preceding symptoms) triggered by ordinary activities such as urination, swallowing, coughing, or standing up or by pressure on the pulse point in the neck. Local syncope is coldness and numbness in a small area, especially the fingers, from diminished blood flow.