palsy
Palsy (noun) means Paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling. Example: “Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement from an early age.”
How to use palsy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA medical condition involving paralysis or loss of muscle control, often with shaking — most familiar today in "cerebral palsy."
Not the same as a general tremor from cold or nerves; "palsy" specifically implies a condition affecting muscle control.
Word forms
more palsy comparative, palsied past tense, palsies plural, palsies plural, palsies singular, most palsy superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cerebral _____ affects muscle control and movement from an early age.
Etymology
From Old French paralisie, ultimately from Greek paralusis ("disabling on one side") — the same root as "paralysis," which "palsy" is a shortened doublet of.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “palsy” mean?
The word “palsy” means paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling. In plain terms, a medical condition involving paralysis or loss of muscle control, often with shaking — most familiar today in "cerebral palsy.".
How do you pronounce “palsy”?
“Palsy” is pronounced PAWL-zee (/ˈpɔːlzi/ in IPA).
How do you use “palsy” in a sentence?
Here is “palsy” used in a sentence: “Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement from an early age.”
What part of speech is “palsy”?
Depending on how it is used, “palsy” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “palsy” come from?
The word “palsy” comes from Old French. From Old French paralisie, ultimately from Greek paralusis ("disabling on one side") — the same root as "paralysis," which "palsy" is a shortened doublet of.
Is “palsy” a common word?
“Palsy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “palsy” have?
“Palsy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: paralysis of part of the body, often with uncontrollable shaking, weakness, or loss of feeling.