tabes dor·sa·lis 
(dôr-sālĭs, -sălĭs)
(dôr-sālĭs, -sălĭs)n.
A late form of syphilis resulting in a hardening of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and marked by shooting pains, emaciation, loss of muscular coordination, and disturbances of sensation and digestion. Also called locomotor ataxia.
[New Latin tābēs dorsālis : Latin tābēs, tabes + Late Latin dorsālis, dorsal.]