tar·an·tism (t r  n-t z m)n. A disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to dance, especially prevalent in southern Italy from the 15th to the 17th century and popularly attributed to the bite of a tarantula. [New Latin tarantismus, after Taranto.] |
tarantism [ˈtærənˌtɪzəm]
n
(Medicine / Pathology) a nervous disorder marked by uncontrollable bodily movement, widespread in S Italy during the 15th to 17th centuries: popularly thought to be caused by the bite of a tarantula
[from New Latin tarantismus, from Taranto; see tarantula]
tarantism
a variety of dancing mania, popularly thought to be caused by the bite of a tarantula and to be cured by dancing.
See also: Disease and Illness
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | tarantism - a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider chorea - any of several degenerative nervous disorders characterized by spasmodic movements of the body and limbs |
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