First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
apoplexy
noun ap·o·plexy \ˈa-pə-ˌplek-sē\
medical : the sudden loss of the ability to feel or move parts of the body caused by too little blood going to the brain
: great anger and excitement
Full Definition of APOPLEXY
: stroke 5
See apoplexy defined for English-language learners
See apoplexy defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of APOPLEXY
Middle English apoplexie, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin apoplexia, from Greek apoplēxia, from apoplēssein to cripple by a stroke, from apo- + plēssein to strike — more at plaint
Other Medicine Terms
Rhymes with APOPLEXY
Medical Dictionary
apoplexy
noun ap·o·plexy \ˈap-ə-ˌplek-sē\
plural ap·o·plex·ies
Medical Definition of APOPLEXY
1
: stroke
2
: copious hemorrhage into a cavity or into the substance of an organ <abdominal apoplexy> <adrenal apoplexy>
Learn More About APOPLEXY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up apoplexy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).