n. 1 sudden uncontrollable fear. 2 infectious fright, esp. in commercial dealings. v. (ck) (often foil. by into) affect or be affected with panic (was panicked into buying). panicky adj. [Greek Pan, rural god] panicle /’ pxruk(o)1/ n. loose branching cluster of flowers, as in oats. [Latin paniculum diminutive of panus thread]
