cataplexy
[ kat-uh-plek-see ]
/ ˈkæt əˌplɛk si /
noun
Pathology. a condition characterized by sudden, brief attacks of muscle weakness sometimes causing the body to fall helplessly, that is usually triggered by strong emotion: often associated with narcolepsy.
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Origin of cataplexy
OTHER WORDS FROM cataplexy
cat·a·plec·tic [kat-uh-plek-tik], /ˌkæt əˈplɛk tɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby cataplexy
cataphylaxis, cataphyll, cataplane, cataplasia, cataplasm, cataplexy, catapult, cataract, cataractogenic, catarrh, catarrhal fever
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for cataplexy
cataplexy
/ (ˈkætəˌplɛksɪ) /
noun
sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by severe shock
a state of complete absence of movement assumed by animals while shamming death
Derived forms of cataplexy
cataplectic, adjectiveWord Origin for cataplexy
C19: from Greek kataplēxis amazement, from kataplēssein to strike down (with amazement), confound, from kata- down + plēssein to strike
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for cataplexy
cataplexy
[ kăt′ə-plĕk′sē ]
n.
A sudden loss of muscle tone and strength, usually caused by an intense emotional stimulus.
Other words from cataplexy
cat′a•plec′tic (-plĕk′tĭk) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.