D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Catastasis

· Ca·tas·ta·sis · IPA /kəˈtæstəsɪs/
01 n. That part of a speech, usually the exordium, in which the orator sets forth the subject matter to be discussed.
  1. 1.
    That part of a speech, usually the exordium, in which the orator sets forth the subject matter to be discussed.(Rhet.)
  2. 2.
    The state, or condition of anything; constitution; habit of body.(Med.)