17. Select the word that means 'a violent seizure.'
Answer: D
Paroxysm means 'a violent seizure.'
Paroxysm refers to a sudden, violent outburst or a seizure-like episode, making it the appropriate choice for the definition provided in the question.
A) revelation
Revelation refers to a surprising and previously unknown fact that has been disclosed to others. This option does not convey anything related to violent actions or seizures, making it incorrect.
B) nutrient
Nutrient indicates a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. This term is unrelated to the concept of violence or seizures, thus it is not a suitable choice.
C) contraption
Contraption describes a machine or device, often one that appears strange or unnecessarily complicated. This term does not relate to any form of seizure or violence, rendering it irrelevant to the question.
D) paroxysm
Paroxysm accurately describes a sudden and intense outburst, which can manifest as a seizure. This definition aligns perfectly with the term requested in the question, confirming its correctness.
Conclusion
Paroxysm is definitively the correct answer as it encapsulates the meaning of a violent seizure, while the other options fail to relate to this concept. Each incorrect choice either describes unrelated phenomena or lacks any connection to the idea of a violent episode, reinforcing paroxysm as the only suitable term.