altered state of consciousness: Meaning and Definition of

al'tered state' of con'sciousness

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. any modification of the normal state of consciousness or awareness, including drowsiness or sleep and also states created by the use of alcohol, drugs, hypnosis, or techniques of meditation.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.