Definition of "erethism" [er•e•thism]

• Abnormal irritability or sensitivity of an organ or a body part to stimulation. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Inhalation of mercury vapor over a long period may cause mercurialism which is characterized by fine tremors and erethism ..."
• ""Inhalation of mercury vapor over a long period may cause mercurialism which is characterized by fine tremors and erethism" "" Erethism may be manifested by abnormal shyness, blushing, self-consciousness, depression or despondency, resentment of criticism, irritability or excitability, headache, fatigue and insomnia."
• "The intense excitement of the events had no doubt left my perceptive powers in a state of erethism."