somnambulism
Use Somnambulism in a sentence
byəˌlɪz1790–1800; < Neo-Latin somnambulismus, equivalent to somn(us) sleep + ambul(āre) to walk + -ismus -ism
Related forms
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
somnambulism (sɒmˈnæmbjʊˌlɪzəm) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| Also called: noctambulism a condition that is characterized by walking while asleep or in a hypnotic trance | |
| som'nambulist | |
| —n | |
| somnambu'listic | |
| —adj | |
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
somnambulism
Cite This Source
somnambulism som·nam·bu·lism (sŏm-nām'byə-lĭz'əm)
n.
See sleepwalking.
som·nam'bu·lis'tic adj.
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
somnambulism
a behavioral disorder of sleep in which a person sits up and performs various motor actions, such as standing, walking about, talking, eating, screaming, dressing, going to the bathroom, or even leaving the house. The episode usually ends with the sleepwalker returning to sleep, with no subsequent memory of the episode. Sleepwalking is most common in children, though it may also appear in adolescents and young adults. It occurs only during deep sleep, when dreams are basically absent. Sleepwalking becomes dangerous only when the possibility exists of the sleepwalker accidentally injuring himself.
Learn more about somnambulism with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Cite This Source
