n. & adj.
--n.
1. (in pl.) a a fit of hysteria. b colloq. overwhelming mirth or laughter (we were in hysterics).
2 a hysterical person.
--adj. HYSTERICAL.
Etymology: L f. Gk husterikos of the womb (hustera), hysteria being thought to occur more frequently in women than in men and to be associated with the womb