{ ‖ } n. [ NL. ataxia, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; out of order; 'a priv. + &unr_; ordered, arranged, &unr_; to put in order: cf. F. ataxie. ] 1. Disorder; irregularity. [ Obs. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Med.) (a) Irregularity in disease, or in the functions. (b) The state of disorder that characterizes nervous fevers and the nervous condition. [ archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Med.) Loss of coordination in the voluntary muscles, especially the limbs; an inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; it results in unsteady movements and a staggering gait. See also locomotor ataxia, an ataxia which occurs when attempting to perform coordinated muscular movements. Syn. -- ataxy [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]