ataxia

Also a·tax·y

[uh-tak-see-uh]

noun

Pathology.

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

ataxia

/ əˈtæksɪ, əˈtæksɪə /

noun

1. pathol lack of muscular coordination

ataxia

1. Loss of muscular coordination as a result of damage to the central nervous system.

Other Word Forms

• ataxic adjective
• preataxic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ataxia¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from New Latin, from Greek: “indiscipline,” from a- a- ⁶ + táx(is) -taxis + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of ataxia¹

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

Example Sentences

Watching his mother get on with life despite suffering from the rare brain condition cerebellar ataxia inspired him to keep going with his own, seemingly unlikely dream of becoming a wrestling star.

From BBC

Intriguingly, something similar seems to be happening in another form of ataxia, SCA2, which also interferes with protein recycling.

From Science Daily

These include inherited diseases that lead to ataxia, or loss of muscle control, and early-onset dementia.

From Science Daily

Degeneration of Purkinje cells is associated with various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and cerebellar ataxia, a condition that affects muscle movement.

From Science Daily

Because RNA repeats are present in similar diseases, like ALS and certain types of spinocerebellar ataxia, the door is open to treatments for these other fatal, degenerative diseases.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• anarchy 
• disarray 
• discord 
• disorder 
• lawlessness 
• pandemonium 
• tumult 
• turmoil