Definition

A medical condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures or convulsions due to abnormal electrical activity.

Example

She has been living with epilepsy since she was a child, managing her condition with medication.

Conversation

I read an article about epilepsy the other day.

Oh really? What did it say?

It explained how people with epilepsy experience seizures due to brain activity.

That's interesting! I didn't know it was related to electrical discharges in the brain.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epilepsy is derived from the Greek word "epilambanein" (meaning to seize or attack). The prefix "epi-" (meaning upon) and the root "lambanein" (meaning to take or seize) combine to describe a condition characterized by sudden seizures or attacks.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'seizing' — 'epi-' means upon, and 'lambanein' means to take. This helps you remember that epilepsy involves sudden seizures that take hold of a person.

Visually Confused Words