ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə How to pronounce ataxia (audio)
(ˌ)ā-
: 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

ataxic
ə-ˈtak-sik How to pronounce ataxia (audio)
(ˌ)ā-
adjective

Examples of ataxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brain problems: Rare complications include cerebellar ataxia (trouble with coordination), encephalitis (brain swelling), or meningitis (infection of membranes surrounding the brain and spine). —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 18 Oct. 2024 Certain side effects could occur, such as drowsiness, confusion, and uncoordinated movement (ataxia) in certain people. —Melissa Nieves, Health, 13 Sep. 2024 There is no cure for spinocerebellar ataxia, however, treatment plans involve minimizing symptoms and improving function. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024 Gluten ataxia might be related to celiac disease, but not all people with celiac disease have gluten ataxia. —Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ataxia 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek ataxía "lack of discipline, disorder, confusion," from a- a- entry 2 + -taxia, from táxis "drawing up in rank and file, order of battle, order, arrangement" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at taxis

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ataxia was in 1670

Phrases Containing ataxia

Dictionary Entries Near ataxia

atavus

ataxia

ataxia-telangiectasia

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ataxia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ataxia. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

ataxia

noun
atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə How to pronounce ataxia (audio)
(ˈ)ā-
: inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements
ataxic
-sik How to pronounce ataxia (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

ataxia

noun
atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə, (ˈ)ā- How to pronounce ataxia (audio)
: an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some disorders of the central nervous system
ataxic
-sik How to pronounce ataxia (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ataxia

Britannica English: Translation of ataxia for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ataxia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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