arhythmia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your own heartbeat, which can be fast, strong, or irregular. Arrhythmia is the medical term for an objectively measured irregularity in the heart's electrical rhythm. You can have palpitations without a serious arrhythmia, and some arrhythmias may not cause noticeable palpitations.

It depends on the type. Some arrhythmias, like a single premature beat, are benign. Others, like ventricular fibrillation, are medical emergencies. Any persistent or concerning change in heart rhythm requires medical evaluation.

The word comes from Greek 'a-' (without, not) + 'rhythmos' (rhythm). The prefix 'a-' often assimilates to a double consonant before a root starting with 'r' to aid pronunciation, hence 'arrhythmia'.

Yes, but it's a learned or literary usage. It can describe any irregular pattern, such as in music, speech, or the rhythm of events (e.g., 'the arrhythmia of city life'). This use is metaphorical and relatively rare.

An irregular heartbeat.

Arhythmia is usually technical / medical (primary), figurative / literary (secondary) in register.

Arhythmia: in British English it is pronounced /əˈrɪðmɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈrɪðmiə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.