— crisic , adj.
/kruy"sis/ , n. , pl. crises /-seez/ , adj.
n.
1. a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, esp. for better or for worse, is determined; turning point.
2. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.
3. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.
4. Med.
a. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.
b. the change itself.
5. the point in a play or story at which hostile elements are most tensely opposed to each other.
adj.
6. of, referring to, or for use in dealing with a crisis.
[ 1375-1425; late ME krísis decision, equiv. to kri- var. s. of krínein to decide, separate, judge + -sis -SIS ]
Syn. 1. See emergency .