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Webster 1913 Edition

Paroxysm

Par′ox-ysm

,
Noun.
[F.
paroxysme
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to sharpen, irritate;
παρά
beside, beyond + [GREEK] to sharpen, from [GREEK] sharp.]
1.
(Med.)
The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions.
Arbuthnot.
2.
Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit.
The returning
paroxysms
of diffidence and despair.
South.

Webster 1828 Edition

Paroxysm

PAR'OXYSM

,
Noun.
[Gr. to excite or sharpen; and sharp.] An exasperation or exacerbation of a disease; a fit of higher excitement or violence in a disease that has remissions or intermissions; as the paroxysm of a fever or gout.

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