Disease or Syndrome
paresis Audio
pa·re·sis [ puh-ree-sis, par-uh-sis ]
Subclass of:
Neurologic Manifestations
Etymology:
Greek paresis = a letting go
Hence a weakness. The word has long been in use in English. The adjective is paretic.
Definitions related to paresis:
  • A general term referring to a mild to moderate degree of muscular weakness, occasionally used as a synonym for PARALYSIS (severe or complete loss of motor function). In the older literature, paresis often referred specifically to paretic neurosyphilis. "General paresis" and "general paralysis" may still carry that connotation. Bilateral lower extremity paresis is referred to as PARAPARESIS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • A slight or incomplete paralysis.
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Weakness or partial paralysis of organic origin.
    Sadock's Comprehensive Glossary of Psychiatry and Psychology
    BJ Sadock Titles Press, 2012
  • Paresis, psychosis caused by widespread destruction of brain tissue occurring in some cases of late syphilis. Mental changes include gradual deterioration of personality, impaired concentration and judgment, delusions, loss of memory, disorientation, and apathy or violent rages. Convulsions are n...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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