melancholia

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   historical psychiatry: a condition of profound depression, often with fear, guilt, slowed thought, or withdrawal

   The case notes used melancholia for a severe and persistent depressive state.

2. 2
   noun

   deep, persistent sadness or gloom

   A quiet melancholia pervades the final chapter.

From Greek melankholia, literally "black bile," from melas ("black") + khole ("bile"), reflecting ancient humoral medicine. It later became a psychiatric term for severe depression.

Topics