ataxia

plural ataxias

1. countableuncountablemedicineLack 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. countablephysicaluncountablechemistryThe condition of a polymer in which the orientation of the subunits is random
3. countableobsoleteuncountableDisorder; irregularity.

   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.

   2 more examples

   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.

   Neither is there any Ataxie to bee feared in bringing in this distinction, betwixt Pastors and flock; It is an Eutaxie rather:

   1640, Joseph Hall, Episcopacie by Divine Right, London: Nathanael Butter, Part 3, § 1, p. 212

   Synonyms: dystaxia