ataxia

Noun

ataxia (countable and uncountable, plural ataxias)

1. Lack of coordination while performing voluntary movements, which may appear to be clumsiness, inaccuracy, or instability.
   • Cerebellar dysfunction is characterized by truncal ataxia, a broad-based stance, dysmetria in which the limbs either overstep (hypermetria) or understep (hypometria), and tremor that is most pronounced when the animal attempts a goal-orientated movement (intention tremor).2004, Johnny D. Hoskins, Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, →ISBN, page 358

   Synonyms:

   ataxy, dystaxia

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

   Synonyms:

   dystaxia