clonic spasm

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Alternate involuntary contraction and relaxation of a muscle.

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Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

The only joy is the momentary spasm of sexual gratification; the only happiness that of (temporarily) allayed jealousy.
David's Bookclub: Sodom and Gomorrah|David Frum|September 29, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A spasm of computer trouble yesterday delayed finishing some thoughts on Mitt Romney's USA Today op-ed about social safety nets.
Social Safety Nets for a Flat Earth|David Frum|September 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Akin's view may be outrageous, but its outrageousness is not one man's mental spasm.
Akin's Abortion View: More Widespread in GOP Than You Think|David Frum|August 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
For three straight days, a spasm of violence has gripped Cairo, leaving 13 people dead and scores wounded.
Egypt Clashes: A Revolution Hangover|Dan Ephron|May 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Essentially, this is no more than a spasm of mindless and brutal high summer destruction.
London Burns as Riots Spread|William Underhill|August 9, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Here the Dimbula shot down a hollow, lying almost on her side—righting at the bottom with a wrench and a spasm.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
It might be a spasm of pain, and his somewhat pale face became paler; but he did not speak.
The Everlasting Arms|Joseph Hocking
What he dreaded was the spasm of dying—the convulsion that was to snap the thousand silver strings in the harp of life.
Julian Home|Dean Frederic W. Farrar
Richard thought to see him fell the Greek to the stones; but his uplifted arm lowered, the spasm of madness passed.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis
But what a contrast to this spasm of local statesmanship the earlier years of that drink-sodden century display!
English Poor Law Policy|Sidney Webb