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Glite Dictionary
simple absence

simple absence

7.5
A brief loss of awareness when someone stares blankly for a few seconds
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪmpəl ˈæbsəns/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ausencia simple
  • Children with epilepsy may have multiple simple absences throughout the day without even realizing it.

Examples

  • The patient experienced a simple absence during the neurological examination, lasting just a few seconds.

  • A classic EEG finding in simple absence is the presence of 3-per-second spike-and-wave discharges.

  • A simple absence can last only a few seconds.

  • He experienced a simple absence during class.

  • During the test, she had a brief simple absence and forgot what she was doing for a moment.

  • Many students with epilepsy will experience simple absences in the classroom, which can go unnoticed.

  • The doctor explained that a simple absence seizure typically involves a short loss of awareness.

Synonyms

absence
vssimple absence
  • Specialized
5 9.3

A short time when a person stares blankly, does not respond, and sometimes makes small movements

is defined more narrowly by fast brainwave spikes and lack of other problems
absence seizure
vssimple absence
  • Specialized
1 7.5

A short, sudden moment when a person stares blankly and does not respond, often with blinking or twitching

is a defined subtype marked by 3-per-second spikes and no complications
petit mal
vssimple absence
  • Archaic
1 9.0

A short seizure that makes someone suddenly stop paying attention and stare

is more specific by noting fast brainwave spikes and no other complications
pure absence
vssimple absence
  • Specialized
9.7

A short, sudden loss of awareness with no other symptoms

is the same concept and also stresses lack of additional complications
petit mal epilepsy
vssimple absence
  • Archaic
6.2

Short episodes when a person briefly stops responding and stares, often without shaking

is narrower, adding specific 3-per-second brainwave spikes and no complications
epilepsia minor
vssimple absence
  • Archaic
9.9

Short episodes of lost awareness without strong body shaking

is narrower, specifying 3-per-second spikes and absence of additional complications

Antonyms

complex absence
  • Specialized
9.4

A short seizure that makes you lose awareness and causes muscle weakness or sudden movements

How Severe

tonic epilepsy
  • Specialized
6.9
focal seizure
  • Specialized
1 5.6
complex absence
  • Specialized
9.4
absence seizure
  • Specialized
1 7.5
simple absence
  • Specialized
7.5

Surface Forms

simple absence singular
simple absences plural

Morphology

simple + absence

The phrase is a regular adjective+noun composition where 'simple' (uncomplicated/merely) modifies 'absence' (a lapse of consciousness), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes an uncomplicated/brief absence seizure. Medical specifics like EEG spike rate are not predictable from the words, but the core meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Simple absence comes from the words simple (meaning 'no other signs') and absence (meaning 'not there'). That's why it refers to a very short time when a person is not aware but has no other symptoms.