Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Nearby Words

tarentism

 - 3 dictionary results

tar⋅ent⋅ism

  [tar-uhn-tiz-uhm]
Use tarentism in a Sentence
–noun
tarantism.

tar⋅ant⋅ism

  [tar-uhn-tiz-uhm]
–noun
a mania characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance, esp. as prevalent in southern Italy from the 15th to the 17th century, popularly attributed to the bite of the tarantula. Also, tarentism. Compare tarantula (def. 3).
Origin:
1630–40; < NL tarantismus. See Taranto, -ism

Related forms:
tar⋅ant⋅ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To tarentism
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: tar·an·tism
Pronunciation: 'tar-&n-"tiz-&m
Function: noun
: a dancing mania or malady of late medieval Europe popularlyregarded as being caused by the bite of the European tarantula (Lycosa tarentula)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see tarentism on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way