arhythmic
|a-rhyth-mic|
/əˈrɪðmɪk/
without rhythm; irregular in rhythm
Etymology
'arhythmic' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'a-' meaning 'not' and 'rhythmos' meaning 'measured flow' or 'rhythm'.
'arhythmic' entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin and through forms related to 'arrhythmia' (Greek 'arrhythmia'), with the English adjective 'arrhythmic' appearing first; the variant spelling 'arhythmic' is also used in modern English.
Initially it meant 'without rhythm' in a general sense; over time it has retained that general meaning and also gained a specialized medical sense referring to 'irregular heartbeat' or related rhythm disorders.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking a regular rhythm; not rhythmic or without a measurable beat.
The dancer's movements were arhythmic, making the choreography feel disjointed.
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Adjective 2
in medicine, describing an irregular heartbeat or the absence of a normal cardiac rhythm (used interchangeably with arrhythmic).
The ECG showed arhythmic patterns consistent with premature ventricular contractions.
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Last updated: 2025/10/13 11:28