man·ic I. \ˈmanik, -nēk sometimes ˈmān-\adjective Etymology: Greek manikos, from mania mania + -ikos -ic 1.: affected with mania < a manic individual > 2.: relating to, suggestive of, or like mania < displayed a manic excitement > < transitions from manic self-assertions to painful self-doubt — Irving Howe > II. noun (-s) : a manic individual