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Paroxysmal: meaning, definitions and examples

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paroxysmal

 

[ ˌpærəkˈsɪzməl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical term

Paroxysmal refers to sudden and intense occurrences or episodes of a particular type, often in a medical context. It commonly describes fits, seizures, or attacks that arise unexpectedly. These episodes can vary in duration and intensity, making the condition seem unpredictable. The term emphasizes the episodic nature of the phenomena being described, contrasting with more chronic or continuous states.

Synonyms

episodic, intermittent, recurring

Examples of usage

  • Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia can cause rapid heart rates.
  • Patients may experience paroxysmal coughing fits.
  • The paroxysmal nature of her migraines made them difficult to manage.
  • He suffers from paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea while sleeping.

Translations

Translations of the word "paroxysmal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paroxístico

🇮🇳 पैरोक्सिस्मल

🇩🇪 paroxysmal

🇮🇩 paroksismal

🇺🇦 пароксизмальний

🇵🇱 paroksyzmowy

🇯🇵 発作性の

🇫🇷 paroxystique

🇪🇸 paroxismal

🇹🇷 paroksismal

🇰🇷 발작성의

🇸🇦 نوبات

🇨🇿 paroxysmální

🇸🇰 paroxyzmálny

🇨🇳 阵发性的

🇸🇮 paroksizmalen

🇮🇸 paroxysmal

🇰🇿 пароксизмальды

🇬🇪 პაროქსიზმული

🇦🇿 paroksizmal

🇲🇽 paroxismal

Etymology

The word 'paroxysmal' originates from the Latin term 'paroxysmus,' which means a sudden outburst or fit, derived further from the Greek word 'paroxysmos,' indicating a sudden increase in intensity or severity. 'Paroxysmus' itself stems from 'paroxyein,' meaning to irritate or provoke, consisting of 'para-' (beside or against) and 'oxyēs' (sharp). The term was first used in the medical field to describe sudden and severe episodes of symptoms, notably in connection with diseases characterized by attacks, such as epilepsy and certain cardiovascular conditions. Over time, its usage expanded beyond medical vernacular to describe various abrupt events or emotions in different contexts, retaining its connotation of suddenness and intensity. Today, 'paroxysmal' not only applies to medical conditions but also metaphorically describes sudden emotional outburst, reinforcing its dual usage in both health-related and broader descriptive contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,742, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.