neuropathy

noun

neu·​rop·​a·​thy nu̇-ˈrä-pə-thē 

nyu̇-

plural neuropathies

1

: damage, disease, or dysfunction of one or more nerves especially of the peripheral nervous system that is typically marked by burning or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness or atrophy, is often degenerative, and is usually caused by injury, infection, disease, drugs, toxins, or vitamin deficiency

Each of the drugs comes with a long list of possible nasty side effects, ranging from liver and kidney damage to pancreatitis and neuropathy in the limbs.

—David Sanford

… the condition known as diabetic neuropathy, a gradual deterioration of peripheral nerves that generally affects old patients and initially causes a painful burning sensation in the hands and feet.

—Sandra Blakeslee

… neuropathy involving the seventh cranial nerve was caused by being hit in the face by the stick.

—Clifton P. Rose

see also peripheral neuropathy

2

: a condition (such as Guillain-Barré syndrome) marked by neuropathy

neuropathic

ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈpa-thik 

ˌnyu̇r-

adjective

neuropathically

ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈpa-thi-k(ə-)lē 

ˌnyu̇r-

adverb

Examples of neuropathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the patient didn't have any typical signs of diabetic neuropathy that are linked to ulcers. — ArsTechnica, 3 July 2025

Diabetic neuropathy can reveal itself by causing pain, tingling, numbness, slow-healing wounds, dry skin or even ulcers. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

One of the clinical signs associated with diabetes in cats is ataxia caused by diabetic neuropathy. — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025

Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the feet and legs. — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + -pathy, probably after Italian neuropatia or French névropathie

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing neuropathy

• peripheral neuropathy

Rhymes for neuropathy

• arthropathy
• nephropathy
• adenopathy
• homeopathy
• osteopathy
• lymphadenopathy

Medical Definition

neuropathy

noun

neu·​rop·​a·​thy n(y)u̇-ˈräp-ə-thē 

plural neuropathies

: damage, disease, or dysfunction of one or more nerves especially of the peripheral nervous system that is typically marked by burning or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness or atrophy, is often degenerative, and is usually caused by injury, infection, disease, drugs, toxins, or vitamin deficiency

also : a condition (as Guillain-Barré syndrome) marked by neuropathy see also peripheral neuropathy