[kat-l-ep-see] 
| a physical condition usually associated with catatonic schizophrenia, characterized by suspension of sensation, muscular rigidity, fixity of posture, and often by loss of contact with environment. |
| cat·a·lep·sy (kāt'l-ěp'sē) 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 in whatever position they are placed. It is known to occur 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·lep'tic (kāt'l-ěp'tĭk) adj., cat'a·lep'ti·cal·ly adv. |
catalepsy cat·a·lep·sy (kāt'l-ěp'sē)
n.
A condition that occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders and is characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed.