\Hys*te"ri*a\, n. [NL.: cf. F. hyst['e]rie. See
{Hysteric}.] (Med.)
A nervous affection, occurring almost exclusively in women,
in which the emotional and reflex excitability is
exaggerated, and the will power correspondingly diminished,
so that the patient loses control over the emotions, becomes
the victim of imaginary sensations, and often falls into
paroxism or fits.
Note: The chief symptoms are convulsive, tossing movements of
      the limbs and head, uncontrollable crying and laughing,
      and a choking sensation as if a ball were lodged in the
      throat. The affection presents the most varied
      symptoms, often simulating those of the gravest
      diseases, but generally curable by mental treatment
      alone.