paroxysmal

[ 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 Words From

• par·ox·ys·mal·ly adverb
• post·par·ox·ys·mal adjective
• pre·par·ox·ys·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paroxysmal¹

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

Example Sentences

Sliding this new series into the paroxysmal dialogue over immigration and diversity would seem easy enough, except for the fact that Vijal Patel didn’t create the show as a clapback to current events.

From Salon

Even the risk of a specific subset of tachycardias, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardiaswas elevated up to 6 months after the infection and was five times greater in the first month.

From Science Daily

It was only after she was discharged and referred to a neurologist that Carroll learned that she suffered from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which, as its name indicates, is a far less serious disorder than a stroke.

From Slate

Edlow is the co-author of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that concluded, “These data suggest that a canalith repositioning maneuver, and not vestibular suppressants, should be the primary treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.”

From Slate

A nurse practitioner thought she might have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo caused by an inner ear imbalance or labyrinthitis, an infection of the inner ear.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• bouncy
• bumpy