\Ca*tas"ta*sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to set;
kata` down + ? to place.]
1. (Rhet.) That part of a speech, usually the exordium, in
   which the orator sets forth the subject matter to be
   discussed.
2. (Med.) The state, or condition of anything; constitution;
   habit of body.