arrhythmical
|ar-rhyth-mi-cal|
/əˌrɪðˈmɪkəl/
without (a) rhythm; irregular rhythm
Etymology
'arrhythmical' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'arrhythmia', where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'rhythmós' meant 'rhythm'.
'arrhythmia' passed into New Latin and then into English as 'arrhythmia'; the adjective form developed by combining this root with the English adjective-forming suffix '-ical', giving 'arrhythmical' (and the related form 'arrhythmic').
Initially it meant 'without rhythm' in a literal sense; over time it became specialized to mean 'irregularity of heartbeat or rhythm' and more generally 'not having a regular rhythm'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or marked by arrhythmia; showing an irregular or abnormal heartbeat or rhythm (medical).
The ECG indicated arrhythmical activity in the patient's heart.
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Adjective 2
not having a regular rhythm; irregular in timing or pattern (general usage).
Her breathing became arrhythmical during the strenuous exercise.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 10:16