petit mal

[ pet-ee mahl, mal; French puh-tee mal ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. epilepsy

petit mal

/ ˈpɛtɪ ˈmæl; pəti mal /

noun

1. a mild form of epilepsy characterized by periods of impairment or loss of consciousness for up to 30 seconds Compare grand mal

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit mal¹

1870–75; < French: literally, small illness

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit mal¹

C19: French: little illness

Example Sentences

The petit mal most commonly co-exists with the grand mal, but has no necessary connexion with it, as each may exist alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Attacks of petit mal might come on at any time, and were usually accompanied by a feeling of faintness and vertigo.

From Project Gutenberg

These cases are to be distributed between the developed form and the petit mal.

From Project Gutenberg

It is revealed also by symptoms of a less striking nature, which have been described under the name of petit mal.

From Project Gutenberg

A mild type of petit mal consists of a temporary blurring of consciousness, with muscular weakness.

From Project Gutenberg