Definition of Akinetic

Akinetic: Without movement (or without much movement). A term used in neurology to denote the absence (or poverty) of movement.

The word "akinetic" comes from the prefix "a-" meaning "without" + the Greek word "kinesis" meaning motion = without motion.

For example, a person in coma is akinetic. For another example, akinetic mutism is a condition in which a person is both mute and akinetic. A textbook on clinical neurology observes that a person with akinetic mutism has "sleep-waking cycles but, when apparently awake, with eyes open, lies mute. immobile and unresponsive."

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6989
Last Editorial Review: 10/4/1998

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