arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə 

: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

Examples of arrhythmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Electrolyte disturbances during unsupervised fasts can destabilize the heart and trigger arrhythmias. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Fasting can also cause electrolyte imbalance, which can make the heart unstable and prone to arrhythmias. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

An arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or is unsteady in its rhythm. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

According to a copy of her death certificate obtained by the Post, Allen died from a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek arrhythmía "lack of rhythm," from árrhythmos "lacking rhythm, unrhythmical" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at arrhythmic

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arrhythmia

• anti-arrhythmia

Medical Definition

arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə 

: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force