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

In the first, communication seems just shy of impossible, an arrhythmia of words and images, English and French, double negatives and oxymorons. —Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026

Those people can end up with arrhythmias and weak heart muscles that are not diagnosed until later in life. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026

Too much vitamin D in the blood also can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, Salge Blake says. —Stacey Colino, Time, 30 Jan. 2026

That inflammatory response has also been linked to blood clots, arrhythmias, and higher risk of cardiovascular issues, even following a mild infection. —Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 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