Word of the Day 1.20.09
paroxysm
par·ox·ysm (p
r
k-s
z
m)
n.
1. A sudden outburst of emotion or action: a paroxysm of laughter.
2.
a. A sudden attack, recurrence, or intensification of a disease.
b. A spasm or fit; a convulsion.
[Middle English paroxism, periodic attack of a disease, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxusmos, from parox
nein, to stimulate, irritate : para-, intensive pref.; see para-1 + oxnein, to goad, sharpen (from oxus, sharp; see ak- in Indo-European roots).]
parox·ysmal (-k-szml) adj.
parox·ysmal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
| Noun | 1. | paroxysm – a sudden uncontrollable attack; “a paroxysm of giggling”; “a fit of coughing”; “convulsions of laughter”
attack – a sudden occurrence of an uncontrollable condition; “an attack of diarrhea”
|
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
