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.

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

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

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.