paresis

[ puh-ree-sis, par-uh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. partial motor paralysis.
2. a late manifestation of syphilis, characterized by progressive dementia and paralysis.

paresis

/ pəˈrɛtɪk; ˈpærɪsɪs; pəˈriːsɪs /

noun

1. incomplete or slight paralysis of motor functions
2. short for general paresis See general paralysis of the insane

Derived Forms

• paretic, adjective

Other Words From

• pa·ret·ic [p, uh, -, ret, -ik, -, ree, -tik], noun adjective
• pa·reti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of paresis¹

1685–95; < New Latin < Greek páresis paralysis, a letting go, equivalent to pare- (variant stem of pariénai to let go) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of paresis¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek: a relaxation, from parienai to let go, from para- ¹+ hienai to release

Example Sentences

Doctors diagnosed her with paresis of the vocal folds, a muscular dysfunction.

From New York Times

In the 19th century general paresis was one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders.

From Scientific American

He did until he was afflicted with a paresis of the vocal cords in 2010 that left him unable to sing a note.

From The Guardian

The frequency of paresis may be realized when one learns that in some regions it is responsible for about one-fifth of all cases of insanity sent to hospitals for the insane.

From Project Gutenberg

It would appear that in wet beriberi the heart is first weakened by paresis of the cardiac ganglia, with consequent incomplete emptying of its cavities.

From Project Gutenberg