cat·a·plex·y (k t  -pl k s )n. pl. cat·a·plex·ies A sudden loss of muscle tone and strength, usually caused by an extreme emotional stimulus. [From Greek katapl xis, fixation (of the eyes), from kataplssein, to astound, terrify : kata-, intensive pref.; see cata- + plssein, plk-, to strike; see pl k-2 in Indo-European roots.]cat a·plectic (-plkt k) adj. |
cataplexy [ˈkætəˌplɛksɪ]
n
1. (Medicine / Pathology) sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by severe shock
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a state of complete absence of movement assumed by animals while shamming death
[from Greek kataplēxis amazement, from kataplēssein to strike down (with amazement), confound, from kata- down + plēssein to strike]
cataplectic adj
cataplexy
a temporary paralytic or hypnotic state, often brought on by strong emotion. — cataplectic, adj.
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