How Do You Spell LYSSA?

Pronunciation: [lˈɪsə] (IPA)

The word "lyssa" is spelled with two "s's" because it comes from the Greek word "lyssan", meaning to loosen or release. The first "s" represents the "s" sound in the Greek word, while the second "s" represents the English spelling convention that doubles the "s" after a short vowel sound to indicate a stressed syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of "lyssa" is /ˈlɪsə/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "s" sound represented by the symbol /s/.

LYSSA Meaning and Definition

1. Lyssa is a noun that refers to a Greek word meaning "madness" or "frenzy." In Greek mythology, Lyssa is often depicted as a deity or spirit personifying the rage that could drive an animal into a frenzy or madness. Lyssa is commonly associated with the madness induced by a rabid or enraged animal, particularly dogs.

   From a medical perspective, Lyssa is also used to describe a condition known as hydrophobia, which is caused by a viral infection transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The term "lyssa" is typically utilized in the field of veterinary medicine to indicate rabies, a disease that affects both animals and humans, resulting in aggressive behavior, confusion, and the fear of water.

   In a figurative sense, Lyssa can be used to describe any intense state of anger, fury, or irrational behavior. It can represent a passionate and extreme emotional state that engulfs an individual, leading to wild and uncontrolled actions.

   Beyond Greek mythology and medical contexts, "lyssa" can be employed metaphorically to characterize any emotional or mental state characterized by intense excitement, fierceness, or wildness. It can refer to a state of mind that is difficult to control or understand, where one is driven to act impulsively, without regard for consequences.

2. Rabies, hydrophobia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for LYSSA

• kyssa
• pyssa
• oyssa
• ltssa
• lgssa
• lussa
• l7ssa
• l6ssa
• lyzsa
• lyxsa
• lydsa
• lyesa
• lywsa
• lysaa
• lysza
• lysxa
• lysda
• lysea
• plyssa
• myssa

Etymology of LYSSA

The word "lyssa" has its etymology rooted in Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "lusssa" (λύσσα), which means "madness" or "rage". In Greek mythology, Lyssa was the goddess or personification of madness and frenzy, specifically relating to rabies. The term also refers to the disease itself. The Greek word "lyssa" further traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*leus-", meaning "to loosen" or "to unbind", and it shares a linguistic connection with the Greek word "lyssein" (λύσσειν), meaning "to loosen" or "to release", relating to the violent and frenzied behavior exhibited by individuals affected by the disease.

Similar spelling word for LYSSA

• lycia.