convulsionary

1 of 2

noun

con·​vul·​sion·​ary kən-ˈvəl-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce convulsionary (audio)
plural -es
1
: one who has convulsions especially as a result of religious mania or ecstasy
2
usually capitalized : one of a body of Jansenist fanatics in France in the early 18th century who exhibited convulsions especially at the tomb of the Jansenist François de Paris in the cemetery of St.-Médard at Paris

convulsionary

2 of 2

adjective

con·​vul·​sion·​ary kən-ˈvəl-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce convulsionary (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or resembling a convulsion
convulsionary strugglesSir Walter Scott
2
usually capitalized : of or relating to the Convulsionaries

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French convulsionnaire, from convulsion + -aire -ary

Adjective

convulsion + -ary

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Cite this Entry

“Convulsionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsionary. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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