Delirium
Delirium (de*lir"i*um) , noun
[Latin, from delirare to rave, to wander in mind, prop., to go out of the furrow in plowing; de- + lira furrow, track; perh. akin to German geleise track, rut, and English last to endure.]
1.
(Medicine) A state in which the thoughts, expressions, and actions are wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental aberration; a roving or wandering of the mind, -- usually dependent on a fever or some other disease, and so distinguished from mania, or madness.
2.
Strong excitement; wild enthusiasm; madness.
The popular delirium [of the French Revolution] at first caught his enthusiastic mind.
The delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament).
Collocations (2)
Delirium tremens (Medicine) , a violent delirium induced by the excessive and prolonged use of intoxicating liquors.
Traumatic delirium (Medicine) , a variety of delirium following injury.