Definition of "ataxia" in English

noun

1. (pathology) Lack of coordination while performing voluntary movements, which may appear to be clumsiness, inaccuracy, or instability.

2. (physical chemistry, organic chemistry) The condition of a polymer in which the orientation of the subunits is random

3. (obsolete) Disorder; irregularity.

   • 1569, John Leslie, A Defence of the Honour of the Right Highe, Mightye and Noble Princesse Marie Quene of Scotlande, Rheims, Book 3, Ye frame an other argumente of inconueniences, as thowghe vnder the womans regimente, Ataxia, that ys to saye disorder moste commonlye creapethe in.
   • 1614, Thomas Adams, The Devills Banket, London: Ralph Mab, The Second Service, Sermon 2, p. 51, Let not Gods eutaxie, Order, by our friuolous scruples be brought to ataxie, Confusion.