blackout etymology

Etymology

The word "blackout" is a compound word, formed from the words "black" and "out."

  • Black: From the Old English word "blæc," meaning "black, dark."
  • Out: From the Old English word "ūt," meaning "out, away."

Meaning

A blackout is a complete loss of consciousness due to a temporary cessation of blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Seizures
  • Heart arrhythmias
  • Blood pressure problems
  • Dehydration
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Origin

The first known use of the word "blackout" in the context of a loss of consciousness was in 1891. It was used to describe a condition that occurred in soldiers during the American Civil War. The soldiers would suddenly lose consciousness and fall to the ground, as if they had been knocked out. They would then regain consciousness a few minutes later, but would be unable to remember what had happened.

The term "blackout" was later adopted by the medical community to describe a similar condition that could occur in people who were not soldiers. In the early 20th century, blackouts were thought to be caused by a temporary loss of blood flow to the brain. This idea was later found to be incorrect, but the term "blackout" has continued to be used to describe this condition.

blackout relate terms

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    Etymology The word black is derived from the Old English word blac which is cognate

  • black

    Etymology The word black is derived from the Old English word blac which is cognate

  • blacking

    Etymology Old English blacian to blacken Proto Germanic blakj an Proto Indo Europ

  • brown out

    Etymology The term brown out is a compound word derived from two English words Brown

  • blackout

    Etymology The word blackout is a compound word formed from the words black and out

  • brown

    Etymology The word brown originates from the Old English word brun which meant dark

  • amnesia

    Etymology The word amnesia comes from the Greek words a α meaning without

  • suspension

    Etymology The word suspension derives from the Latin word suspendere which means to

  • intermission

    Etymology From Latin inter between missio sending dismissal Meaning A b

  • brake

    Etymology The word brake has several etymological origins German brechen meaning

  • break

    Etymology Middle English breken breken Old English brecan Proto Germanic brekan Pro

  • baker

    Etymology The word baker comes from the Middle English bakere which in turn is deri

  • pause

    Etymology The word pause originates from the Greek word pauein which means to cease

  • dark

    Etymology The word dark originates from the Proto Indo European root derḱ meaning

  • memory

    Etymology Latin Memoria Proto Indo European PIE smr̥ti Root smr̥ meaning to

  • loss

    Etymology The word loss originates from the Middle English word lose which in turn