n. 1 (often foll. by of) a sudden attack or outburst (of rage, laughter, etc.). 2 a fit of disease. paroxysmal adj.
[ F paroxysme f. med.L paroxysmus f. Gk paroxusmos f. paroxuno exasperate (as PARA-(1), oxuno sharpen f. oxus sharp) ]
n. 1 (often foll. by of) a sudden attack or outburst (of rage, laughter, etc.). 2 a fit of disease. paroxysmal adj.
[ F paroxysme f. med.L paroxysmus f. Gk paroxusmos f. paroxuno exasperate (as PARA-(1), oxuno sharpen f. oxus sharp) ]
Concise Oxford English dictionary. Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка. 2012