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cataplexy

noun
cat·​a·​plexy | \ ˈka-tə-ˌplek-sē How to pronounce cataplexy (audio) \
plural cataplexies\ ˈka-​tə-​ˌplek-​sēz How to pronounce cataplexies (audio) \

Definition of cataplexy

: sudden loss of muscle power following a strong emotional stimulus

Examples of cataplexy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Then came the breakthrough: a litter of around seven Doberman puppies, all of them with narcolepsy and cataplexy. — Henry Nicholls, CNN, "The science of sleep: Finding a cure for narcolepsy," 24 Oct. 2017 In 2007, Flygare, then a 24-year-old law student, was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy, a neurological disorder that causes chronic sleepiness and, in her case, symptoms of brief episodes of muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions. — Maria Cartaya, CNN, "Runner: Having narcolepsy is harder than a marathon," 23 June 2017

First Known Use of cataplexy

1883, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cataplexy

German Kataplexie, from Greek kataplēxis, from kataplēssein to strike down, terrify, from kata- + plēssein to strike — more at plaint

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More Definitions for cataplexy

cataplexy

noun
cat·​a·​plexy | \ ˈkat-ə-ˌplek-sē How to pronounce cataplexy (audio) \
plural cataplexies\ -​sēz How to pronounce cataplexies (audio) \

Medical Definition of cataplexy

: a sudden loss of muscle control with retention of clear consciousness that follows a strong emotional stimulus (as elation, surprise, or anger) and is a characteristic symptom of narcolepsy

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