epilepsy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions

WordNet

Ep"i*lep`sy noun
Etymology
L. epilepsia, Gr. a seizure, the "falling sickness," fr. to take besides, seize, attack; upon, besides + to take: cf. F. épilepsie. Cf. Catalepsy.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) The "falling sickness," so called because the patient falls suddenly to the ground; a disease characterized by paroxysms (or fits) occurring at interval and attended by sudden loss of consciousness, and convulsive motions of the muscles. Dunglison.

Webster 1913