erethism

noun

er·​e·​thism ˈer-ə-ˌthi-zəm How to pronounce erethism (audio)
: abnormal irritability or responsiveness to stimulation

Word History

Etymology

French éréthisme, from Greek erethismos irritation, from erethizein to irritate; akin to Greek ornynai to rouse — more at orient entry 2

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of erethism was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near erethism

erepsin

erethism

Erethizon

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Cite this Entry

“Erethism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erethism. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

erethism

noun
er·​e·​thism ˈer-ə-ˌthiz-əm How to pronounce erethism (audio)
: abnormal irritability or responsiveness to stimulation
erethic
ə-ˈreth-ik, er-ˈeth- How to pronounce erethism (audio)
adjective
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