tetany

American  

[tet-n-ee] / ˈtɛt n i /

noun

Pathology.

1. a state marked by severe, intermittent tonic contractions and muscular pain, due to abnormal calcium metabolism.

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tetany British  

/ ˈtɛtənɪ /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal increase in the excitability of nerves and muscles resulting in spasms of the arms and legs, caused by a deficiency of parathyroid secretion

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Etymology

Origin of tetany

From the New Latin word tetania, dating back to 1880–85. See tetanus, -y ³

Example Sentences

The refractory period is very long to prevent the possibility of tetany, a condition in which muscle remains involuntarily contracted.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In the heart, tetany is not compatible with life, since it would prevent the heart from pumping blood.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Others, especially those suffering from a transient form of tetany, get better spontaneously.

From Time Magazine Archive

But in 1931 he was confronted with a woman dying of tetany and too weak for the operation.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lastly, in the tetany of children, or that following operations on the thyreoid gland, the spasms are of a jerking character, affect chiefly the hands and fingers, and yield to medicinal treatment.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis