arrhythmic

UK: əˈrɪðmɪk | US: əˈrɪðmɪk

Definition

  1. adj. lacking rhythm or regularity; irregular in pattern or movement.

  2. adj. (medical) relating to or suffering from arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

Structure
a <without>rhythm <measured flow>ic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "arrhythmic" originates from Greek components:

  • The prefix "a-" (Greek ἀ-) negates the root, meaning "without."
  • The root "rhythm" (Greek ῥυθμός) refers to a measured, recurring pattern or flow.
  • The suffix "-ic" (Latin -icus, via French -ique) forms adjectives.

Originally used in music and poetry to describe irregular patterns, it was later adopted in medicine to describe irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). The morphemes reflect a clear logical progression: "without rhythm" → "irregular" → "medically abnormal."

Examples

  1. The arrhythmic drumming confused the dancers.

  2. Patients with arrhythmic heartbeats require careful monitoring.

  3. Her arrhythmic breathing indicated stress.

  4. The poem’s arrhythmic structure challenged traditional norms.

  5. The flickering light created an arrhythmic visual effect.