paresis

noun

pa·​re·​sis pə-ˈrē-səs How to pronounce paresis (audio)
ˈper-ə-,
ˈpa-rə- How to pronounce paresis (audio)
plural pareses pə-ˈrē-ˌsēz How to pronounce paresis (audio)
ˈper-ə-,
ˈpa-rə-
1
: slight or partial paralysis
2
paretic adjective or noun

Examples of paresis 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.
Two of the rats were paralyzed and unable to reach food or water, and a third had paresis and had trouble moving. Rob O'Dell, The Arizona Republic, 23 June 2021 Doctors diagnosed her with paresis of the vocal folds, a muscular dysfunction. New York Times, 21 Nov. 2019 After she was diagnosed with paresis, Ms. Dhegrae threw herself into research, spending up to 20 hours a day trawling through scientific journals and poring over her own medical history. New York Times, 21 Nov. 2019 Twain’s hesitant return to the recording studio after suffering from vocal paresis began years ago under the diligent insistence of Lionel Richie. Cindy Watts, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, from parienai to let fall, from para- + hienai to let go, send — more at jet

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paresis was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near paresis

Cite this Entry

“Paresis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paresis. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

paresis

noun
pa·​re·​sis pə-ˈrē-səs How to pronounce paresis (audio) ˈpar-ə- How to pronounce paresis (audio)
plural pareses -ˌsēz How to pronounce paresis (audio)
1
: slight or partial paralysis
2

More from Merriam-Webster on paresis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!