carphology

noun

car·phol·o·gy kär-ˈfäl-ə-jē

variants also carphologia

ˌkär-fə-ˈlō-j(ē-)ə

plural carphologies also carphologias

: an aimless semiconscious plucking at the bedclothes observed in conditions of exhaustion or stupor or in high fevers

called also floccillation

Browse Nearby Words

carpectomy

carphology

carpi

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Carphology.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/carphology. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

hobgoblin

Listen to the pronunciation of hobgoblin

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)