cramp
1[ kramp ]
/ kræmp /
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noun
Often cramps .
- a sudden, involuntary, spasmodic contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, especially of the extremities, sometimes with severe pain.
- a piercing pain in the abdomen.
- an intermittent, painful contraction of structures of a wall containing involuntary muscle, as in biliary colic or in the uterine contractions of menstruation or of labor.
verb (used with object)
to affect with or as if with a cramp.
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Origin of cramp
11325–75; Middle English crampe<Old French <Germanic; cognate with Middle Dutch crampe,Old Saxon krampo,Old High German krampfo; derivative of adj. meaning narrow, constrained, bent; compare Old High German krampf,Old Norse krappr; akin to crimp1
Other definitions for cramp (2 of 2)
Origin of cramp
21375–1425; late Middle English crampe<Middle Dutch: hook. See cramp1
OTHER WORDS FROM cramp
cramp·ing·ly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use cramp in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cramp (1 of 2)
cramp1
/ (kræmp) /
noun
a painful involuntary contraction of a muscle, typically caused by overexertion, heat, or chill
temporary partial paralysis of a muscle groupwriter's cramp
(usually plural in the US and Canada) severe abdominal pain
verb
(tr) to affect with or as if with a cramp
Word Origin for cramp
C14: from Old French crampe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krampho
British Dictionary definitions for cramp (2 of 2)
cramp2
/ (kræmp) /
noun
Also called: cramp iron a strip of metal with its ends bent at right angles, used to bind masonry
a device for holding pieces of wood while they are glued; clamp
something that confines or restricts
a confined state or position
verb (tr)
Word Origin for cramp
C15: from Middle Dutch crampe cramp, hook, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German khramph bent; see cramp 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for cramp
cramp
[ krămp ]
n.
A sudden, involuntary, spasmodic muscular contraction causing severe pain, often occurring in the leg or shoulder as the result of strain or chill.
A temporary partial paralysis of habitually or excessively used muscles.
cramps Spasmodic contractions of the uterus, such as those occurring during menstruation or labor, usually causing pain in the abdomen that may radiate to the lower back and thighs.
v.
To affect with or experience a cramp or cramps.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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