tabes dorsalis

noun tabes dor·sa·lis \ -dȯr-ˈsa-ləs , -ˈsā- , -ˈsä- \

Definition of tabes dorsalis

: a syphilitic disorder of the nervous system marked by wasting, pain, limb weakness, ataxia, and disorders of sensation and vision resulting from degeneration of the spinal cord — called also locomotor ataxia

Origin and Etymology of tabes dorsalis

New Latin, dorsal tabes

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1681

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

tabes dorsalis

noun tabes dor·sa·lis \ -dȯr-ˈsā-ləs , -ˈsal-əs \

medical Definition of tabes dorsalis

: a syphilitic disorder that involves the dorsal horns of the spinal cord and the sensory nerve trunks and that is marked by wasting, pain, lack of coordination of voluntary movements and reflexes, and disorders of sensation, nutrition, and vision — called also locomotor ataxia