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

1880–85; < German Kataplexie < Greek katáplēxis (with suffix probably by analogy with Apoplexie apoplexy) fixation (of the eyes), equivalent to kataplēk- (variant stem of kataplḗssein to strike down) + -sis -sis

OTHER WORDS FROM cataplexy

cat·a·plec·tic

[kat-uh-plek-tik] /ˌkæt əˈplɛk tɪk/, adjective

Words 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, adjective

Word 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.