Definition of Paroxysm

1. Noun. A sudden uncontrollable attack. "Convulsions of laughter"

Exact synonyms: Convulsion, Fit
Generic synonyms: Attack
Derivative terms: Paroxysmal

Definition of Paroxysm

1. n. The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions.

Definition of Paroxysm

1. Noun. A random or sudden outburst (of activity). ¹

2. Noun. An explosive event during a volcanic eruption. ¹

3. Noun. A sudden recurrence of a disease. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Paroxysm

1. a sudden fit or attack [n -S]

Medical Definition of Paroxysm

1. 1. The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions. 2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit. "The returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair." (South) Origin: F. Paroxysme, Gr, fr. To sharpen, irritate; beside, beyond + to sharpen, from sharp. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Paroxysm

parotoid
parotoid gland
parotoids
parous
parousia
parousias
parovaria
parovarian
parovarian cyst
parovariotomy
parovaritis
parovarium
paroxetime
paroxetine
paroxypropione
paroxysm (current term)
paroxysmal
paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
paroxysmal cerebral dysrhythmia
paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea
paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
paroxysmal sleep
paroxysmal tachycardia
paroxysmal trepidant abasia
paroxysmally
paroxysms
paroxytone
paroxytones

Literary usage of Paroxysm

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Physic Delivered at King's by Thomas Watson, David Francis Condie (1855)
"I WAS about, when we last separated, to consider the treatment of ague : first, during the paroxysm ; secondly, during the intermissions. ..."

2. A Treatise on the Practice of Medicine by George Bacon Wood (1858)
"Should the paroxysm continue much longer than usual, or protracted coma follow, ... In the protracted paroxysm, after depletion, or when it is not required, ..."

3. On Asthma: Its Pathology and Treatment by Henry Hyde Salter (1882)
"TREATMENT OF THE ASTHMATIC paroxysm.— TREATMENT BY DEPRESSANTS. ... The first thing to be done on being called to a patient in a paroxysm of asthma, ..."

4. The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and (1910)
"Then all at once it rouses up again, and another paroxysm of fury commences. The first paroxysm is usually the most intense, and the fits vary in duration ..."

5. The Institutes of Medicine by Martyn Paine (1862)
"It is now the object of art to prevent a repetition of the paroxysm. This may be often accomplished by mere rest in a horizontal posture, and abstinence ..."

6. The London Medical Gazette (1832)
"The day of the paroxysm constitutes the first, then follow the two days of intermission, making three days, and then on the fourth you have another paroxysm ..."

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