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.
Words nearby spasm
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. 2020
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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Medical 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.