noun

eclampsia

ih-KLAMP-see-uh

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Eclampsia (noun) means a serious pregnancy complication in which high blood pressure leads to seizures and coma. Example: “The doctors monitored her closely after signs pointed towards eclampsia.”

noun

medical A serious pregnancy complication in which high blood pressure leads to seizures and coma.

"The doctors monitored her closely after signs pointed towards eclampsia."

"Eclampsia can develop quickly if severe hypertension in pregnancy goes untreated."

"She was hospitalised when a seizure during labour was diagnosed as eclampsia."

How to use eclampsia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt's a serious pregnancy condition where severe high blood pressure causes seizures.

When to use it

It's a clinical term used by medical professionals rather than in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Note that eclampsia is the seizure stage, so it is more severe than the related, earlier condition preeclampsia.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

preeclampsia

Common pairings

signs of eclampsia risk of eclampsia develop eclampsia a case of eclampsia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “eclampsia” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Can you complete this real example?

The doctors monitored her closely after signs pointed towards _____.

Etymology

Eclampsia was borrowed from New Latin, which took it from French éclampsie. The French word goes back to Ancient Greek éklampsis, meaning a sudden, violent onset, literally brightness, from a verb meaning to shine or burst forth.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for eclampsia

Odia aria India ataxia abulia Latvia acacia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia

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Frequently asked questions

What is eclampsia?

It is a dangerous pregnancy complication involving seizures and coma caused by severe high blood pressure.

What causes eclampsia?

It results from hypertension during pregnancy that has progressed to the point of triggering seizures.

Where does the word eclampsia come from?

It comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning a sudden, violent onset, which literally meant brightness or a bursting forth.

What is the meaning of eclampsia?

"eclampsia" (noun) means a serious pregnancy complication in which high blood pressure leads to seizures and coma.