Tarantism

[tærәntizm]

Definition

(noun.) a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider.

Checker: Raymond--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A nervous affection producing melancholy, stupor, and an uncontrollable desire to dance. It was supposed to be produced by the bite of the tarantula, and considered to be incapable of cure except by protracted dancing to appropriate music.

Edited by Caleb

Definition

n. an epidemic leaping or dancing mania somewhat resembling chorea—also Tar′entism.—ns. Tarantel′la Tarentel′la a lively Neapolitan dance in triplets for one couple—thought a remedy for tarantism; Taran′tula Taren′tula a species of spider found in South Italy whose bite is much dreaded and was long supposed to cause tarantism.

Typist: Tim