Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRO-CA-TARC'TIC, a. [Gr. προκαταρκτικος; προ, κατα and αρχω, to begin.]

In medicine, that cause which immediately kindles a disease into action when there existed a predisposition to it. The procatarctic cause is often denominated the exciting cause. Procatarctic or exciting causes are common to numerous diseases and do not affect their nature and character. Procatarctic or exciting causes do not produce disease, unless there is a previously existing predisposition. Excesses, deficiencies, and irregularities of the non-naturals, comprehend all the procatarctic or exciting causes of disease.