irritability

[ir-i-tuh-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

irritabilities 

1. the quality or state of being irritable.

2. Physiology, Biology.,  the ability to be excited to a characteristic action or function by the application of some stimulus.

   Protoplasm displays irritability by responding to heat.

Other Word Forms

• nonirritability noun
• superirritability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of irritability¹

From the Latin word irrītābilitās, dating back to 1745–55. See irritable, -ity

Example Sentences

The milkshake had dulled what was left of Michael’s irritability.

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Just knowing that your irritability could be linked to fluctuations can make you feel like you’re not crazy.

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The condition can also lead to fatigue, irritability, and secondary depression.

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If they quit using the substance, they experience symptoms of withdrawal, which can range from irritability and nausea to paranoia and seizures.

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At one point, she asked whether the irritability and fussing some babies showed at the time of the shot could be early symptoms of neurological problems stemming from the vaccine that hadn’t been studied.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• irritation