This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
cataplexy
[ kat-uh-plek-see ]
/ ˈkæt əˌplɛk si /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
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. 2021
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
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.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.