paroxysm

views updated Jun 11 2018

par·ox·ysm / ˈparəkˌsizəm/ • n. a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity: a paroxysm of weeping. ∎  Med. a sudden recurrence or attack of a disease; a sudden worsening of symptoms.DERIVATIVES: par·ox·ys·mal / ˌparəkˈsizməl/ adj.

paroxysm

views updated May 18 2018

paroxysm increase of the acuteness of a disease; violent access, fit. XVII. — F. paroxysme — medL. paroxysmus irritation, exasperation — Gr. paroxusmós, f. paroxúnein, f. PARA-1 + oxúnein sharpen, f. oxús sharp.

paroxysm

views updated Jun 27 2018

paroxysm (pa-rŏk-sizm) n.
1. a sudden violent attack, especially a spasm or convulsion.

2. the abrupt worsening of symptoms or recurrence of disease.
paroxysmal (pa-rŏk-siz-măl) adj.

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