narcolepsy

noun nar·co·lep·sy \ˈnär-kə-ˌlep-sē\

medical : a medical condition in which someone suddenly falls into a deep sleep while talking, working, etc.

plural nar·co·lep·sies

Full Definition of NARCOLEPSY

: a condition characterized by brief attacks of deep sleep often occurring with cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations

— nar·co·lep·tic \ˌnär-kə-ˈlep-tik\ adjective

See narcolepsy defined for English-language learners

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1880

Medical Dictionary

noun nar·co·lep·sy \ˈnär-kə-ˌlep-sē\

plural nar·co·lep·sies

: a condition characterized by brief attacks of deep sleep often occurring with cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations—compare hypersomnia 2

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