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.
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Nearby words
spartanburg, sparteine, sparti, spartiate, sparver, spasm, spasm band, spasmo-, spasmodic, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, spasmodist
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
Examples from the Web for spasm
British Dictionary definitions for 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
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Medicine definitions for spasm
spasm
[ spăz′əm ]
n.
A sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
A muscle spasm.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.