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
Some volunteers, who were undergoing surgery for epilepsy, agreed to have electrodes temporarily inserted into their brains.
—
Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
About 20% of people with epilepsy also have anxiety.
—Ashley Olivine, Ph.d., Mph, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Two of the compound's most promising effects are its ability to reduce seizures, especially in those with treatment-resistant epilepsy, and helping with muscle spasticity in people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
Now that many of the technical hurdles have been cleared, stem cells appear poised to offer a new treatment option for Parkinson's, and perhaps other brain diseases like epilepsy or Alzheimer's.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epilepsy
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Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
About 20% of people with epilepsy also have anxiety.
—Ashley Olivine, Ph.d., Mph, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Two of the compound's most promising effects are its ability to reduce seizures, especially in those with treatment-resistant epilepsy, and helping with muscle spasticity in people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
Now that many of the technical hurdles have been cleared, stem cells appear poised to offer a new treatment option for Parkinson's, and perhaps other brain diseases like epilepsy or Alzheimer's.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epilepsy
Cite this Entry
“Epilepsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epilepsy. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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