arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə How to pronounce arrhythmia (audio)
: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

Examples of arrhythmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to a copy of her death certificate obtained by the Post, Allen died from a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 If not properly administered and monitored, an unsafe amount of potassium entering the body can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, kidney dysfunction, muscle weakness or spasms, metabolic disturbances or death, according to Ameri Pharma. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Instant coffee contains very low levels of diterpenes and has been associated with a lower risk of stroke and arrhythmias. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026 Also, ibogaine’s prolongation of the heart’s QT intervals carries a real risk of fatal arrhythmia. — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arrhythmia

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek arrhythmía "lack of rhythm," from árrhythmos "lacking rhythm, unrhythmical" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at arrhythmic

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrhythmia was circa 1860

Phrases Containing arrhythmia

Browse Nearby Words

arrhostia
arrhythmia
arrhythmic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arrhythmia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrhythmia. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

arrhythmia

noun
ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə How to pronounce arrhythmia (audio)
: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

More from Merriam-Webster on arrhythmia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arrhythmia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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