spleen

spleen (ENG N) The spleen is an organ of the body that regulates blood cells (production of lymphocytes and destruction of cells). It was said to be the seat of the emotions and passions. This led to association of the spleen with melancholy, ill will, bad moods, and sudden shifts and caprices of mood. Littré's (1801 – 1881) great 19th century French dictionary defined spleen as »the English name given to a form of hypochondria consisting of baseless ennui, a disgust with life.« (Verlaine)