Webster's English Dictionary

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paralysis

pa.ral.y.sis \p*-'ral-*-s*s\ \.par-*-'lit-ik\ n [L, fr. Gk, fr. paralyein 
   to loosen, disable, fr. para + lyeinX to loosen - more at LOSE 1: complete 
   or partial loss of function esp. when involving the motion or s ensation in 
   a part of the body 2: loss of the ability to move  3: a state of 
   powerlessness or incapacity to act : IMPOTENCE  - par.a.lyt.ic ajor ;n