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Definition of narcolepsy

narcolepsy

/ˈnɑːr.kəˌlɛp.si/
nar · co · lep · sy
Plural:narcolepsies
•
Adjective:narcoleptic
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narcolepsy Lexical Profile

narcolepsy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A chronic neurological sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness, sudden attacks of sleep, and often cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions).

Example

"After experiencing sudden episodes of daytime sleepiness for months, she was formally diagnosed with narcolepsy by a sleep specialist."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for narcolepsy

• Nearby Words

narcissistically
narcissus
narco
narcolepsy
narcotic
nardis falls
nards

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in French as 'narcolépsie' in 1880 by the physician Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau, combining Ancient Greek 'narkē' (numbness, stupor) and 'lēpsis' (a seizure or attack).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Narcolepsy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/narcolepsy
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