1 ataxia | Definition of ataxia

ataxia

noun
atax·​ia | \ ə-ˈtak-sē-ə How to pronounce ataxia (audio) , (ˌ)ā-\

Definition of ataxia

: an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some central nervous system disorders and injuries and not due to muscle weakness

called also incoordination

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Other Words from ataxia

ataxic \ -​sik How to pronounce ataxic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of ataxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Voytek suggests lumbering is akin to a kind of ataxia, which can happen if the cerebellum, which controls movement, is severely damaged. Joe Lindsey, Popular Mechanics, "'Game of Thrones' Science: How Do Wights Work?," 26 Apr. 2019 Virgil Harris wants a cure to Friedreich's ataxia for his daughter Jazmyne Harris. Maureen C. Gilmer, Indianapolis Star, "For Father's Day, this Indianapolis dad just wants a cure for his daughter," 17 June 2018 The 22-year-old has Friedreich's ataxia and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, NOLA.com, "LSU students design beach-accessible wheelchair to help Plaquemine woman," 6 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ataxia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ataxia

1670, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ataxia

Greek, from a- + tassein to put in order

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More Definitions for ataxia

ataxia

noun
atax·​ia | \ ə-ˈtak-sē-ə, (ˈ)ā- How to pronounce ataxia (audio) \

Medical Definition of ataxia

: an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some disorders of the central nervous system

Other Words from ataxia

ataxic \ -​sik How to pronounce ataxic (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ataxia

Britannica English: Translation of ataxia for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ataxia