Absinthism
/ˈæb.sɪn.θɪz.əm/noun
A disorder historically attributed to chronic or excessive consumption of absinthe, especially involving dependence and neurological symptoms.
Did you know?Nineteenth-century doctors treated absinthism as a distinct toxic disorder, although later research suggests many reported symptoms were complicated by heavy alcohol consumption and adulterated absinthe.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀψίνθιον (apsínthion)
“Wormwood, the intensely bitter plant later used to flavor absinthe.”
Classical Latin
Latin
absinthium
“Wormwood; the Latin plant name derived from Greek.”
Old French
Old French
absinthe
“Wormwood, later referring to the bitter alcoholic drink flavored with it.”
18th Century
French
absinthe
“A strong anise-flavored spirit infused chiefly with wormwood and other botanicals.”
19th Century
English
absinthism
“A condition attributed to chronic or excessive absinthe drinking.”
Modern English
English
absinthism
“A historical or medical term for illness associated with prolonged absinthe use.”
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