splenetic

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Derived terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

The adjective form of spleen. Anger was traditionally believed to originate from the fluids of the spleen.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /spləˈnɛtɪk/

  Rhymes: -ɛtɪk

[edit] Adjective

splenetic (comparative more splenetic, superlative most splenetic)

1. bad-tempered, spiteful, habitually angry
   • 1678, Samuel Butler, Hudibras

     A sect, whose chief devotion lies / In odd perverse antipathies; / ... / More peevish, cross, and splenetick, / Than dog distract, or monkey sick.

   • 1876, George Eliot, Daniel Deronda

     In fact, Gwendolen, not intending it, but intending the contrary, had offended her hostess, who, though not a splenetic or vindictive woman, had her susceptibilities.

2. (biology) relating to the spleen
   • 1879, Sir Samuel White Baker, Cyprus, as I Saw it in 1879

     I have already described the general protuberance of the abdomen among the children throughout the Messaria and the Carpas districts, all of whom are more or less affected by splenetic diseases.

[edit] Derived terms

• splenetically adv