hypochondria

[hahy-puh-kon-dree-uh] /ˌhaɪ pəˈkɒn dri ə/

noun

Also, hypochondriasis

[hahy-poh-kuh n-drahy-uh-sis] /ˌhaɪ poʊ kənˈdraɪ ə sɪs/ (Show IPA). Psychiatry. an excessive preoccupation with one's health, usually focusing on some particular symptom, as cardiac or gastric problems.

excessive worry or talk about one's health.

Origin

1555-65; < Late Latin < Greek, neuter plural of hypochóndrios pertaining to the upper abdomen (supposed seat of melancholy), equivalent to hypo- hypo- + chóndr(os) ensiform cartilage + -ios adj. suffix

hypochondrium

[hahy-puh-kon-dree-uh m] /ˌhaɪ pəˈkɒn dri əm/

noun, plural hypochondria

[hahy-puh-kon-dree-uh] /ˌhaɪ pəˈkɒn dri ə/ (Show IPA). Anatomy

either of two regions of the abdomen, situated on each side of the epigastrium and above the lumbar regions.

Origin

1690-1700; < Neo-Latin < Greek hypochóndrion abdomen. See hypochondria, -ium

Examples from the web for hypochondria

We tend to think of hypochondria as a kind of selfishness.
Midway into her seventh year, however, she developed a fairly severe case of hypochondria.
She went to a doctor with this problem and was diagnosed with hypochondria.
Others who complain that they feel different may be suffering from hypochondria.
Between hypochondria and mosquitoes, sleep can be elusive.
With someone who doesn't have that kind of view, it's plain hypochondria.
His only noticeable form of narcissism is hypochondria.
Terror was increased by the diseases of insanity and hypochondria being misunderstood.
All this hand wringing over present deficits amounts to hypochondria if real growth doesn't show up.
So much handwringing and hypochondria in these comments.

British Dictionary definitions for hypochondria

hypochondria

/ˌhaɪpəˈkɒndrɪə/

noun

chronic abnormal anxiety concerning the state of one's health, even in the absence of any evidence of disease on medical examination Also called hypochondriasis (ˌhaɪpəʊkɒnˈdraɪəsɪs)

Word Origin

C18: from Late Latin: the abdomen, supposedly the seat of melancholy, from Greek hupokhondria, from hupokhondrios of the upper abdomen, from hypo- + khondros cartilage

hypochondrium

/ˌhaɪpəˈkɒndrɪəm/

noun (pl) -dria (-drɪə)

(anatomy) the upper region of the abdomen on each side of the epigastrium, just below the lowest ribs

Word Origin

C17: from New Latin, from Greek hupokhondrion; see hypochondria

Word Origin and History for hypochondria

1839, "illness without a specific cause," earlier (1660s) "depression or melancholy without real cause," earlier still (late 14c.) ipocondrie "upper abdomen," from Late Latin hypochondria "the abdomen," from Greek hypokhondria (neuter plural of hypokhondrios), from hypo- "under" (see sub-) + khondros "cartilage" (of the breastbone); see grind (v.). Reflecting ancient belief that the viscera of the hypochondria were the seat of melancholy and the source of the vapors that caused such feelings.

hypochondria in Medicine

hypochondria hy·po·chon·dri·a (hī'pə-kŏn'drē-ə)
n.
The neurotic conviction that one is or is likely to become ill, often involving experiences of pain when illness is neither present nor likely. Also called hypochondriasis.

hypochondrium hy·po·chon·dri·um (hī'pə-kŏn'drē-əm)
n. pl. hy·po·chon·dri·a (-drē-ə)
The upper lateral region of the abdomen on either side of the epigastrium and below the lower ribs.

hypochondria in Science

hypochondria

(hī'pə-kŏn'drē-ə)
A psychiatric disorder characterized by the conviction that one is ill or soon to become ill, often accompanied by physical symptoms, when illness is neither present nor likely. ◇ A person with hypochondria is called a hypochondriac.