n. pl. cat·a·lep·sies A condition characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain where they are positioned. It occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, and can be induced by hypnosis. [Middle English catalempsi, from Late Latin catalēmpsia, from Greek katalēpsis, from katalambanein, to seize upon : kata-, intensive pref.; see CATA- + lambanein, lēp-, to seize.] cat′a·leptic (kăt′l-ĕptĭk) adj. cat′a·lepti·cal·ly adv. |
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