paresthesia

noun

par·​es·​the·​sia ˌper-əs-ˈthē-zhə How to pronounce paresthesia (audio)
ˌpa-rəs-
: a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin that has no objective cause
paresthetic adjective

Examples of paresthesia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In severe cases, hypocalcemia can lead to depression, paresthesias (abnormal sensations), parkinsonism (slowed movements, muscle rigidity, and tremors), and seizures. Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Chronic paresthesia, however, results in loss of movement and sensation. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2021 Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet, medically known as paresthesia, are usually its first symptoms. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 May 2020 The most common were dizziness, nausea, headache and paresthesia — electric-shock sensations in the brain that many people call brain zaps. Benedict Carey and Robert Gebeloff, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paresthesia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from para- + -esthesia (as in anesthesia)

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paresthesia was circa 1860

Dictionary Entries Near paresthesia

Cite this Entry

“Paresthesia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paresthesia. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

paresthesia

noun
par·​es·​the·​sia
variants or chiefly British paraesthesia
: a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin having no objective cause and usually associated with injury or irritation of a sensory nerve or nerve root
paresthetic adjective
or chiefly British paraesthetic

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