TARANTISM

tarantism

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

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

tarantism (usually uncountable, plural tarantisms)

An extreme urge to dance, popularly thought to have been caused by the bite of a tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) and prevalent in southern Italy in the 15th through 17th centuries.

Synonyms: choreomania, dancing mania

Anagrams

• tintamars

Source: Wiktionary


Tar"ant*ism, n. Etym: [It. tarantismo: cf. F. tarentisme. See Tarantula.] (Med.)

Definition: 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 protraced dancing to appropriate music. [Written also tarentism.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

29 June 2025

ADMIRABLE

(adjective) deserving of the highest esteem or admiration; ā€œan estimable young professorā€; ā€œtrains ran with admirable precisionā€; ā€œhis taste was impeccable, his health admirableā€


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

coffee icon