Chorea
/ˈkɔːr.i.ə/noun
A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rapid, irregular movements that appear dance-like.
Did you know?In medieval Europe, outbreaks of uncontrollable dancing were associated with Saint Vitus, inspiring the historical phrase “Saint Vitus’s Dance,” later linked to chorea.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χορός (khoros)
“A dance, dancing group, or chorus”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χορεία (khoreia)
“Dancing or a choral dance”
17th Century
New Latin
chorea
“A disorder involving involuntary, dance-like movements”
1680s
English
chorea
“A nervous disorder marked by irregular, involuntary movements”
Modern English
English
chorea
“A neurological movement disorder with rapid, unpredictable, dance-like motions”
Explore more surprising origins