Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words
Definition of paroxysm - 5 dictionary results

par⋅ox⋅ysm

  [par-uhk-siz-uhm]
Use paroxysm in a Sentence
–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.
Origin:
1570–80; earlier paroxismos < Gk paroxysmós irritation, deriv. of paroxýnein to irritate. See par-, oxy- 1 , -ism

Related forms:
par⋅ox⋅ys⋅mal, par⋅ox⋅ys⋅mic, adjective
par⋅ox⋅ys⋅mal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To paroxysm
par·ox·ysm   (pār'ək-sĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. A sudden outburst of emotion or action: a paroxysm of laughter.

    1. A sudden attack, recurrence, or intensification of a disease.

    2. A spasm or fit; a convulsion.


[Middle English paroxism, periodic attack of a disease, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxusmos, from paroxūnein, to stimulate, irritate : para-, intensive pref.; see para-1 + oxūnein, to goad, sharpen (from oxus, sharp; see ak- in Indo-European roots).]
par'ox·ys'mal (-ək-sĭz'məl) adj., par'ox·ys'mal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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 acrid). Non-medical sense first attested 1604.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: par·ox·ysm
Pronunciation: 'par-&k-"siz-&m also p&-'räk-
Function: noun
1 : a sudden attack or spasm(as of a disease)
2 : a sudden recurrence of symptoms or an intensification of existing symptoms paroxysms —TherapeuticNotes>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

paroxysm par·ox·ysm (pār'ək-sĭz'əm)
n.

  1. A sharp spasm or fit; a convulsion.

  2. 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.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see paroxysm on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way