paralysis
Meaning of paralysis: Paralysis is the loss of voluntary muscle movement in part of the body, resulting from a disruption in the nerve signals that control it.
Definition of paralysis
Paralysis is the loss of the ability to voluntarily move part or all of the body, resulting from a disruption in the signals traveling between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. It can affect a small, localized area, such as one side of the face, or a much larger region, such as both legs or all four limbs.
Paralysis can result from many different causes, including stroke, spinal cord injury, nerve damage, certain infections, and some neuromuscular conditions, and the pattern of paralysis often provides clues about where along the nervous system the underlying problem is located. Paralysis may be temporary or permanent, and it may occur suddenly or develop gradually, depending on the cause.
Paralysis is distinct from weakness, which involves reduced but not completely absent muscle strength or movement.
How paralysis is built
- para- Prefix · Greek beside, near, alongside, abnormal
- -lysis Suffix · Greek breakdown, destruction, separation
A medical term is read from its ending backwards: the suffix first, then the prefix, then the root. See all 223 word parts.
Used in a sentence
The neurologic examination revealed paralysis of the right leg following the spinal injury.
Good to know
Paralysis describes a complete loss of voluntary movement, which is distinct from weakness, or paresis, in which movement is reduced but still present.
Word origin
Where “paralysis” comes from
From Greek paralysis, formed from para- (meaning "beside") and lyein (meaning "to loosen" or "to disable.")