hyperkinesia

Also hy·per·ki·ne·sis

[hahy-per-ki-nee-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh, -kahy-]

noun

1. Pathology.,  an abnormal amount of uncontrolled muscular action; spasm.

2. Psychiatry.,  a disorder occurring in children and adolescents, characterized by excessive activity, extreme restlessness, impulsivity, and a short attention span.

hyperkinesia

/ ˌhaɪpəkɪˈniːzɪə, -kaɪ-, -kaɪ-, ˌhaɪpəkɪˈnɛtɪk, ˌhaɪpəkɪˈniːsɪs, -kaɪ- /

noun

1. excessive movement, as in a muscle spasm

2. extreme overactivity in children

Other Word Forms

• hyperkinetic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperkinesia¹

First recorded in 1840–50; hyper- + -kinesia

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperkinesia¹

C20: from _hyper- + -kinesia from Greek kinēsis movement, from kinein to move

Example Sentences

The condition can cause inflammation in the brain, and neurological symptoms like seizures and hyperkinesia.

Read more on Salon

Human parallels In addition to hyperactivity, the mice displayed a combination of mania-like behaviors and seizures, which are indicative of a disorder called hyperkinesia.

Read more on Scientific American