ataxia

[uh-tak-see-uh]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ataxia ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Pathology.

loss of coordination of the muscles, especially of the extremities.

Also a·tax·y

[uh-tak-see, a-tak-] /əˈtæk si, æˈtæk-/.

Compare tabes dorsalis.

Origin of ataxia

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek: indiscipline, equivalent to a- a-⁶ + táx(is) -taxis + -ia -ia

Related formsa·tax·ic, adjectivepre·a·tax·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for ataxia

turmoil, discord, tumult, disarray, pandemonium, lawlessness, disorder, anarchy, confusion, disharmony, chaos, shambles, dilemma, clutter, perplexity, jumble, plight, tangle, complication, awkwardness

Examples from the Web for ataxia

Historical Examples of ataxia

His name was Sabathier, and for fifteen years he had been stricken with ataxia.
The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete
Emile Zola
Ataxia had declared itself; he was able to walk now only leaning on his servant's arm.
Doctor Pascal
Emile Zola
It seemed he was suffering from a form of ataxia, rapid in its progress and very painful.
Doctor Pascal
Emile Zola
Does not get on feet when turned on side; ataxia well marked.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2
Various
He had no ataxia or loss of sensibility in the upper half of the body.
Fat and Blood
S. Weir Mitchell

British Dictionary definitions for ataxia

ataxia

ataxy (əˈtæksɪ)

noun

pathol lack of muscular coordination

Derived Formsataxic or atactic, adjective

Word Origin for ataxia

C17: via New Latin from Greek: lack of coordination, from a- 1 + -taxia, from tassein to put in order

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for ataxia

also anglicized as ataxy, "irregularity of bodily functions," 1610s, "confusion, disorder," medical Latin, from Greek ataxia, from a-, privative prefix, + taxis "arrangement, order," from stem of tassein "to arrange" (see tactics). Pathological sense is attested from 1660s.

ataxia in Medicine