paroxysmal
[ par-uhk-siz-muhl, puh-rok‐ ]
adjective
sudden and uncontrolled: In 2 years of continuous observations, volcanic activity included minor explosions, persistent degassing, paroxysmal eruptions, and lava flows.This region of the world is going through paroxysmal changes, and ongoing humanitarian aid is a critical need.
Medicine/Medical. occurring periodically, especially with brief episodes; recurrent: Paroxysmal cough was observed in 89% of the infants studied.
Origin of paroxysmal
1- Rarely par·ox·ys·mic [par-uhk-siz-mik, puh-rok‐] /ˌpær əkˈsɪz mɪk, pəˌrɒk‐/ .
Other words from paroxysmal
- par·ox·ys·mal·ly, adverb
- post·par·ox·ys·mal, adjective
- pre·par·ox·ys·mal, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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