paresthesia

or par·aes·the·sia

[ par-uhs-thee-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormal sensation, as prickling, itching, etc.

paresthesia

/ ˌpærɛsˈθɛtɪk; ˌpærɛsˈθiːzɪə /

noun

1. pathol the usual US spelling of paraesthesia

Derived Forms

• paresthetic, adjective

Other Words From

• par·es·thet·ic [par-is-, thet, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paresthesia¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1855–60; par-, esthesia

Example Sentences

Over time, the paresthesia fades and my nerve endings register their displeasure, an electric frisson of pain and relief at again being alive and alert and part of a whole.

From Salon

The report said patients demonstrated weakness and paresthesias starting in their legs that developed over a period of 4 days, causing some patients to require ventilation and experience paralysis.

From Fox News

The following day she was rushed to another hospital via ambulance with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, progressive paresthesia and increased anxiety.

From Fox News

The most common were dizziness, nausea, headache and paresthesia — electric-shock sensations in the brain that many people call brain zaps.

From New York Times

Probably the most prevalent type relies on devices that stimulate nerves in the spine to treat pain in the back and in the legs and arms, often substituting a gentle tingling called paresthesia.

From US News