Defn: Checking evacutions through astringent or styptic qualities.
CATASTASIS
Ca*tas"ta*sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.
1. (Rhet.)
Defn: That part of a speech, usually the exordium, in which the orator sets forth the subject matter to be discussed.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The state, or condition of anything; constitution; habit of body.
CATASTERISM
Ca*tas"ter*ism, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: A placing among the stars; a catalogue of stars.
The catasterisms of Eratosthenes. Whewell.
CATASTROPHE
Ca*tas"tro*phe, n. Etym: [L. catastropha, Gr.
1. An event producing a subversion of the order or system of things; a final event, usually of a calamitous or disastrous nature; hence, sudden calamity; great misfortune. The strange catastrophe of affairs now at London. Bp. Buret. The most horrible and portentous catastrophe that nature ever yet saw. Woodward.