what does paroxysmal means?

Answers:
According to Merriam-Webster:

Paroxysm
One entry found for paroxysm.
Main Entry: par·ox·ysm
Pronunciation: 'par-&k-"si-z&m also p&-'räk-
Function: noun
Etymology: French & Medieval Latin; French paroxysme, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp -- more at OXYGEN
1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : CONVULSION <a paroxysm of coughing>
2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST <a paroxysm of rage>

Other Answers:
Here is what I think is a brilliant dictionary defenition:
paroxysm [párrək sizəm]
(plural paroxysms)
noun
1. sudden outburst of emotion: a sudden and uncontrollable expression of emotion
2. outburst of symptom: a sudden onset or intensification of a pathological symptom or symptoms, especially when this is recurrent

[Late 16th century. Via medieval Latin from, ultimately, Greek paroxunein ‘to irritate’, literally ‘to sharpen beyond’, from, ultimately, oxus ‘sharp’ (see oxygen).]
In terms of medications, it means having the opposite response than expected. Like if sleeping pills keep you up all night and caffeine knocks you out.
Roughly, it means "acute". The word root "oxy" is ancient greek word for something that is sharp or pointed (it's the same root in the words oxygen and oxymoron).

If something is "paroxysmal", it tends to occur in sudden, short attacks.

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what does paroxysmal means?

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