First Known Use: 1874
Dictionary
petit mal
noun pe·tit mal \ˈpe-tē-ˌmal, -ˌmäl\
Definition of PETIT MAL
: epilepsy characterized by mild seizures marked by diminished awareness usually with a blank stare but not by loss of consciousness; also : one of these seizures — compare grand mal
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Origin of PETIT MAL
French, literally, small illness
Medical Dictionary
petit mal
noun pe·tit mal \ˈpet-ē-ˌmal, -ˌmäl\
Medical Definition of PETIT MAL
: epilepsy characterized by absence seizures; also : absence seizure
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