Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sudden attack or seizure of a disease, especially a stroke or an epileptic fit: In medical terminology, an "ictus" refers to the sudden onset or recurrence of a pathological event, such as a stroke or a seizure.
   • Rhythmic or metrical stress in poetry: In prosody (the study of verse), an "ictus" is the stress or accent placed on a syllable in a line of poetry, marking the rhythmic beat.

Usage Examples

• Medical context:
  • The patient was admitted after suffering a cerebral ictus.
  • An ictus can be a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
• Literary context:
  • The poet carefully placed the ictus on the first syllable of each foot.
  • Scanning the verse involves identifying the pattern of ictus and non-ictus syllables.

Advanced Usage

• "Ictal" (adjective): Pertaining to or caused by a seizure or stroke.
  • The patient exhibited ictal activity on the EEG.
• "Postictal" (adjective): Referring to the period following a seizure or stroke.
  • The postictal state is often characterized by confusion and fatigue.

Variants and Related Words

• Seizure (n): A sudden attack of illness, especially a stroke or an epileptic fit. (A more common synonym in medical contexts).
• Stroke (n): A sudden disabling attack or loss of consciousness caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain.
• Accent (n): In poetry and linguistics, a stress on a syllable. (A common synonym in prosody).
• Stress (n): Emphasis given to a particular syllable or word in speech or verse.

Synonyms

• Medical: Attack, fit, paroxysm, seizure, stroke.
• Prosodic: Accent, beat, emphasis, stress.

Related Phrases

• Ictus cordis: A medical term for a perceptible heartbeat or a heart thrust.
• Ictus solis: A historical/poetic term for sunstroke.

Notes on Usage

• The term "ictus" is highly specialized. In everyday language, words like "seizure" or "stroke" are used in medical contexts, and "accent" or "stress" are used in poetic contexts.
• Its use outside of technical medical or literary discussions is rare.

Noun

1. a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease
   • he suffered an epileptic seizure