Category:Prostration

Pros*tra"tion, n. Etym: [l. prostratio: cf. F. prostration.]

1. The act of prostrating, throwing down, or laying fiat; as, the Prostration of the body.

2. The act of falling down, or of bowing in humility or adoration; Primarily, the act of falling on the face, but usually applied to Kneeling or bowing in reverence and worship. A greater prostration of reason than of body. Shak.

3. The condition of being prostrate; great depression; lowness; Dejection; as, a postration of spirits. "a sudden prostration of Strength." Arbuthnot.

4. (med.)

Defn: a latent, not an exhausted, state of the vital energies; great Oppression of natural strength and vigor.

Note: prostration, in its medical use, is analogous to the state of a Spring lying under such a weight that it is incapable of action; While exhaustion is analogous to the state of a spring deprived of Its elastic powers. The word, however, is often used to denote any Great depression of the vital powers.