Definition of "ataxia"

ataxia

/əˈtæksɪə/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural ataxias
1. (pathology) Lack of coordination while performing voluntary movements, which may appear to be clumsiness, inaccuracy, or instability.
2. (chemistry) The condition of a polymer in which the orientation of the subunits is random
3. (obsolete) Disorder; irregularity.
  Quotations
  Ye frame an other argumente of inconueniences, as thowghe vnder the womans regimente, Ataxia, that ys to saye disorder moste commonlye creapethe in.
  1569, John Leslie, A Defence of the Honour of the Right Highe, Mightye and Noble Princesse Marie Quene of Scotlande, Rheims, Book 3
  Let not Gods eutaxie, Order, by our friuolous scruples be brought to ataxie, Confusion.
  1614, Thomas Adams, The Devills Banket, London: Ralph Mab, The Second Service, Sermon 2, p. 51
  Neither is there any Ataxie to bee feared in bringing in this distinction, betwixt Pastors and flock; It is an Eutaxie rather:
  1640, Joseph Hall, Episcopacie by Divine Right‎, London: Nathanael Butter, Part 3, § 1, p. 212