tetany

[ tet-n-ee ]

nounPathology.
  1. a state marked by severe, intermittent tonic contractions and muscular pain, due to abnormal calcium metabolism.

Origin of tetany

1
From the New Latin word tetania, dating back to 1880–85. See tetanus, -y3

Words Nearby tetany

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How to use tetany in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tetany

tetany

/ (ˈtɛtənɪ) /


noun
  1. pathol an abnormal increase in the excitability of nerves and muscles resulting in spasms of the arms and legs, caused by a deficiency of parathyroid secretion

Origin of tetany

1
C19: from French tétanie. See tetanus

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