tetany

[tet-n-ee]

noun Pathology.

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

Nearby words

Origin of tetany

From the New Latin word tetania, dating back to 1880–85. See tetanus, -y³

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for tetany

Convulsions, laryngismus stridulus, tetany, or carpopedal spasm are all frequently met with.
The Nervous Child|Hector Charles Cameron
When tetany follows operations for goitre it is due to the removal of these glands.
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition.|Alexander Miles
Trousseau's sign is the production of tetany by applying firm and prolonged pressure to the brachial nerve in the upper arm.
The Nervous Child|Hector Charles Cameron
Gerhardt looks upon rachitis as one of the causes of tetany.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

British Dictionary definitions for tetany

tetany

noun

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

Word Origin for tetany

C19: from French tétanie. See tetanus

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

Word Origin and History for tetany

tetany

1890, from French tétanie "intermitent tetanus," from Modern Latin tetania (see tetanus).

Medicine definitions for tetany

tetany

[tĕt′n-ē]

n.

An abnormal condition characterized by periodic painful muscular spasms and tremors, caused by faulty calcium metabolism and associated with diminished function of the parathyroid glands.intermittent cramp intermittent tetanus