sthenicadj.
/ˈsθɛnɪk/, U.S. /ˈsθɛnɪk/ Pathology.
a. Applied by Dr. John Brown (1735–88) and his followers to diseases characterized by a normal or excessive accumulation of ‘excitability’ or vital power in the system. Similarly in later use, of diseases, symptoms, etc.: Marked by normal or excessive vital or nervous energy. Opposed to asthenic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > stupor or coma > [adjective] > morbid excitability
sthenic1788
erethismic1846
hypersthenic1886
erethic1888
1788 J. Brown tr. Elements Med. I. Pref. p. xii (note) Sthenic diseases..are such as depend upon an excessive application of the several powers that otherwise produce health.
1793 T. Beddoes Let. to E. Darwin 49 It had before occurred to me that air of a reduced standard would be extremely beneficial in sthenic inflammation.
1874 H. Maudsley Respons. in Mental Dis. iii. 83 Idiopathic insanity divisible into two varieties,—sthenic and asthenic, according to the strong or feeble condition of the bodily health.
1877 F. T. Roberts Handbk. Med. (ed. 3) I. 6 The sanguineous temperament is believed to predispose to fevers of a sthenic type.
1880 R. Barwell Aneurism 94 When the too sthenic symptoms are somewhat subdued, a dry diet is preferable.
b. In extended sense: Belonging to, tending to produce, vital or nervous energy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] > tending to produce vital energy
sthenic1797
1797 Monthly Mag. 3 350/2 M. Humboldt concludes his letter with some observations on the sthenic or asthenic virtue of chemical agents, that is to say, their ability or impotence to produce irritation.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VII. 372 The cerebellum normally exerts on the apparatus of movement, a sthenic, tonic, and static influence.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1788