Medical Definition of Chorea

Chorea: Ceaseless rapid complex body movements that look well coordinated and purposeful but are, in fact, involuntary.

Chorea was thought suggestive of a grotesque dance. The term "chorea" is derived from the Greek word "choreia" for dancing (as is choreography).

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10029
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2013