paroxysmal

Rarely par·ox·ys·mic

[par-uhk-siz-muhl, puh-rok‐]

adjective

1. sudden and uncontrolled.

   In 2 years of continuous observations, volcanic activity included minor explosions, persistent degassing, paroxysmal eruptions, and lava flows.

   This region of the world is going through paroxysmal changes, and ongoing humanitarian aid is a critical need.

2. Medicine/Medical.,  occurring periodically, especially with brief episodes; recurrent.

   Paroxysmal cough was observed in 89% of the infants studied.

Other Word Forms

• paroxysmally adverb
• postparoxysmal adjective
• preparoxysmal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paroxysmal¹

First recorded in 1570–80; paroxysm ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Related Words

• bouncy 
• bumpy