hysteric

[ hi-ster-ik ]
/ hɪˈstɛr ɪk /

noun

Usually hysterics. a fit of uncontrollable laughter or weeping; hysteria.
a person subject to hysteria.

adjective

Origin of hysteric

1650–60; < Latin hystericus < Greek hysterikós, suffering in the womb, hysterical (reflecting the Greeks' belief that hysteria was peculiar to women and caused by disturbances in the uterus); see hystero-, -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM hysteric

an·ti·hys·ter·ic, noun, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hysteric

hysterics histrionics

Example sentences from the Web for hysteric

British Dictionary definitions for hysteric

hysteric
/ (hɪˈstɛrɪk) /

noun

a hysterical person

adjective

hysterical
See also hysterics

Word Origin for hysteric

C17: from Latin hystericus literally: of the womb, from Greek husterikos, from hustera the womb; from the belief that hysteria in women originated in disorders of the womb

Medical definitions for hysteric

hysteric
[ hĭ-stĕrĭk ]

n.

A person suffering from hysteria.
hysterics A fit of uncontrollable laughing or crying.