cat·a·to·ni·a  (kāt'ə-tō'nē-ə)  n. An abnormal condition variously characterized by stupor, stereotypy, mania, and either rigidity or extreme flexibility of the limbs. It is most often associated with schizophrenia. [New Latin, from German Katatonie, from Greek katatonos, stretching tight, from katateinein, to stretch tight : kata-, intensive pref.; see cata- + teinein, to stretch; see ten- in Indo-European roots.] cat'a·ton'ic (-tŏn'ĭk) adj. & n., cat'a·ton'i·cal·ly adv. |