ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə 

(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 

(ˌ)ā-

adjective

Examples of ataxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some particularly harmful oils include: Tea Tree oil: Causes lethargy, tremors, and ataxia. —Sara Hansen, The Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2024

Thanksgiving cactus or false Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is similarly easy-care but has caused some mild reactions like digestive upset in dogs and ataxia (temporary loss of muscle coordination) in cats. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

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

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

Phrases Containing ataxia

• ataxia-telangiectasia
• locomotor ataxia

Kids Definition

ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə 

(ˈ)ā-

: inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements

ataxic

-sik 

adjective

Medical Definition

ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə, (ˈ)ā- 

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

ataxic

-sik 

adjective