Nearby words
clonal selection theory, clonazepam, clone, clonic, clonic convulsion, clonic spasm, clonicity, clonicotonic, clonidine, cloning, cloning vector
Origin of clonic spasm
First recorded in 1840–50
Definition for clonic spasm (2 of 2)
spasm
[ spaz-uhm ]
/ ˈspæz əm /
noun
Pathology. a sudden, abnormal, involuntary muscular contraction, consisting of a continued muscular contraction (tonic spasm) or of a series of alternating muscular contractions and relaxations (clonic spasm).
any sudden, brief spell of great energy, activity, feeling, etc.
Origin of spasm
1350–1400; Middle English spasme < Latin spasmus < Greek spasmós convulsion, derivative of spân to draw a sword or cord, wrench (off), convulse
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for clonic spasm
spasm
/ (ˈspæzəm) /
noun
an involuntary muscular contraction, esp one resulting in cramp or convulsion
a sudden burst of activity, emotion, etc
Word Origin for spasm
C14: from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos a cramp, from span to tear
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for clonic spasm (1 of 2)
spasm
[ spăz′əm ]
n.
A sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
A muscle spasm.
Medicine definitions for clonic spasm (2 of 2)
clonic spasm
n.
Alternate involuntary contraction and relaxation of a muscle.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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