First Known Use: 1525
Dictionary
paralysis
noun pa·ral·y·sis \pə-ˈra-lə-səs\
medical : a condition in which you are unable to move or feel all or part of your body
: a state of being unable to function, act, or move
plural pa·ral·y·ses\-ˌsēz\
Full Definition of PARALYSIS
1
: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body
2
: loss of the ability to move
3
: a state of powerlessness or incapacity to act
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Origin of PARALYSIS
Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen — more at lose
Related to PARALYSIS
- Synonyms
- palsy
Other Medicine Terms
PARALYSIS Defined for Kids
paralysis
noun pa·ral·y·sis \pə-ˈra-lə-səs\
plural pa·ral·y·ses \-ˌsēz\
Definition of PARALYSIS for Kids
: loss of the ability to move all or part of the body (as from disease or injury)
Medical Dictionary
paralysis
noun pa·ral·y·sis \pə-ˈral-ə-səs\
plural pa·ral·y·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of PARALYSIS
: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the power of motion or of sensation in any part of the body—see hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis 1
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