Paroxysm

paroxysm definition

par·ox·ysm (par′ək siz′əm)

noun

1. a sudden attack, or intensification of the symptoms, of a disease, usually recurring periodically
2. a sudden outburst as of laughter, rage, or sneezing; fit; spasm

Etymology: Fr paroxysme < ML paroxysmus < Gr paroxysmos < paroxynein, to excite, sharpen < para-, beyond (see para-) + oxynein, to sharpen < oxys, sharp: see oxy-

Teleology

teleology

noun

(philosophy) a doctrine explaining phenomena by their ends or purposes

Pat

pat

adj
1: having only superficial plausibility; "glib promises"; "a slick commercial" [syn: glib, slick]
2: exactly suited to the occasion; "a pat reply"

noun

1: the sound made by a gentle blow [syn: rap, tap]
2: a light touch or stroke [syn: tap, dab] adv : completely or perfectly; "he has the lesson pat"; "had the system down pat"

verb

1: pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin [syn: chuck]
2: hit lightly; "pat him on the shoulder" [syn: dab] [also: patting, patted]

Sibilant

adjective

°Characterized by a hissing sound such as the "s" or "sh" in sash or surge.

noun

°A hissing sound such as the 's' or 'sh' in 'sash' or 'surge'.

synonyms: groove fricative

Jaunty

1. Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.
2. Crisp and dapper in appearance; natty.

Diaphanous

Of such fine texture as to be transparent or translucent; delicate.

Sanctimonious

making a hypocritical show of religious devotion, piety, righteousness, etc.

Ecumenical

Worldwide or general in extent, influence or application.