chronaxie

noun

chron·​ax·​ie ˈkrō-ˌnak-sē How to pronounce chronaxie (audio) ˈkrä- How to pronounce chronaxie (audio)
variants or less commonly chronaxy
: the minimum time required for excitation of a structure (such as a neuron) by a constant electric current of twice the threshold voltage

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from Greek chrónos "time" + axía "worth, value," noun derivative (perhaps via *axi-ia) of áxios "of like value, worth, worthy" — more at chrono-, axiom

Note: The term chronaxie was introduced by the French neuroscientist Louis Lapicque (1866-1952) in "Définition expérimentale de l'excitabilité," Comptes rendus hebdomedaires des séances et mémoires de la Société de Biologie, 61e année, Année 1909, tome second, p. 283.

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronaxie was in 1922

Rhymes for chronaxie

See All Rhymes for chronaxie

Browse Nearby Words

chronanagram
chronaxie
chronic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chronaxie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronaxie. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

chronaxie

noun
chron·​ax·​ie
variants also chronaxy
ˈkrōn-ˌak-sē How to pronounce chronaxie (audio) ˈkrän- How to pronounce chronaxie (audio)
or chronaxia
krō-ˈnak-sē-ə How to pronounce chronaxie (audio) krə- How to pronounce chronaxie (audio)
krän-ˈak-
plural chronaxies also chronaxias
: the minimum time required for excitation of a structure (as a nerve cell) by a constant electric current of twice the threshold voltage compare rheobase
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