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noun
1.
any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion: paroxysms of rage.
2.
Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Paroxysm
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Example Sentences
- He thinks the protest is a paroxysm of rage that merely reveals the underlying weakness of his opponents.
- It was especially bad at night: I'd lie down to sleep and that would trigger a paroxysm.
- Lately we seem to be in a paroxysm of worry about the way they spend their time.
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
paroxysm
"sudden attack, convulsion," 1577, from M.Fr. paroxysme (16c.), earlier paroxime (13c.), from M.L. paroxysmus "irritation, fit of a disease," from Gk. paroxysmos, from paroxynein "to irritate, goad," from para- "beyond" + oxynein "sharpen, goad," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (see
EXPAND acrid). Non-medical sense first attested 1604.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
paroxysm par·ox·ysm (pār'ək-sĭz'əm)
n.
A sharp spasm or fit; a convulsion.
A sudden onset of a symptom or disease, especially one with recurrent manifestations, such as the chills and fever of malaria.
par'ox·ys'mal (-ək-sĭz'məl) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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