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Definition of: paroxysm
(par′ək·siz′əm) noun
1. Pathol. A periodic attack of disease; a fit.
2. Sudden and violent excitement or emotion, as of anger.
3. A convulsion of any kind. See synonyms under AGONY, PAIN. [<MF paroxysme <Med. L paroxysmus irritation <Gk. paroxysmos paroxynein goad <para- beside, beyond + oxynein goad <oxys sharp]
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