SportsAugust 20, 2026

syncope

SING-kuh-pee

Definition

A temporary loss of consciousness caused by a fall in blood pressure or a medical emergency, often referred to as fainting.

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'synkopē', meaning 'a cutting off' or 'shortening', and entered English through Latin to describe the sudden cessation of consciousness.

In the news

In the article, the term is used in the phrase 'heat syncope' to describe a fainting episode caused by excessive heat, representing a serious but less severe stage of heat-related illness.

Heat illness in outdoor sports: When minutes matter

Read the full article ↗

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