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

Any type of abnormal heart rate–whether in the rate or rhythm–is called arrhythmia. —Vincent Iannelli, Parents, 30 July 2024

There are many causes of an abnormally racing heart that can be explored with your physician, such as arrhythmia or dehydration. —Trisha Pasricha, Washington Post, 29 July 2024

Others experience strange heart arrhythmias or a debilitating staleness in their legs. —Meaghen Brown, Outside Online, 12 June 2015

Colin also volunteered for EKG drives while attending Providence Catholic High School, which quickly check a person’s heartbeat and could have caught Brian’s arrhythmia and saved his life, Colin said. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2024

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