arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə How to pronounce arrhythmia (audio)
: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

Examples of arrhythmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm, per the Cleveland Clinic, and cardiomyopathy refers to conditions that affect the heart muscle. Becca Longmire, People.com, 9 May 2025 With these two contradictory responses, Dr. Fischman says there is the potential for arrhythmias, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. Melissa Willets, Parents, 26 Apr. 2025 Ventricular arrhythmias occur when the lower chambers of the heart, or ventricles, beat too fast. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025 This could lead to more complex synchronization therapies, including those that treat arrhythmias. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arrhythmia

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrhythmia was circa 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Arrhythmia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrhythmia. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

arrhythmia

noun
ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə How to pronounce arrhythmia (audio)
: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

More from Merriam-Webster on arrhythmia

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