antiparetic
|an-ti-pa-re-tic|
/ˌæn.ti.pəˈrɛtɪk/
against partial paralysis
Etymology
'antiparetic' originates from Greek and Neo-Latin, specifically from Greek elements 'anti-' and 'paretikós' (παρετικός), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'paretikós' related to 'paresis' meaning 'letting go' or 'partial loss of strength'.
'antiparetic' was formed in Neo-Latin/medical Latin as 'antipareticus' (a formation combining 'anti-' + 'pareticus') and was adopted into English medical usage as 'antiparetic' in the modern period.
Initially, the construction simply meant 'against paresis' (an agent or property opposing paresis); over time it has been used specifically in medical contexts to describe treatments or effects that reduce partial paralysis or muscle weakness.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an agent (for example, a drug or treatment) that opposes or relieves paresis; something with antiparetic properties.
Researchers tested several antiparetics to determine which improved motor function most effectively.
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Adjective 1
acting to counteract or relieve paresis (partial paralysis) or muscle weakness; having the effect of reducing or opposing paralysis.
The novel therapy showed antiparetic effects in patients recovering from stroke.
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Last updated: 2025/11/10 23:59