tic
[ tik ]
/ tɪk /
noun
Pathology.
- a sudden, spasmodic, painless, involuntary muscular contraction, as of the face.
- tic douloureux.
a persistent or recurrent behavioral trait; personal quirk: her distinctive verbal tics.
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seclusion
Origin of tic
First recorded in 1790–1800; from French (of expressive origin)
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH tic
tic , tickWords nearby tic
Definition for tic (2 of 2)
-tic
a suffix, equivalent in meaning to -ic, occurring in adjectives of Greek origin (analytic), used especially in the formation of adjectives from nouns with stems in -sis: hematotic; neurotic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for tic
British Dictionary definitions for tic
Word Origin for tic
C19: from French, of uncertain origin; compare Italian ticche
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for tic
tic
[ tĭk ]
n.
A habitual spasmodic muscular movement or contraction, usually of the face or extremities.habit spasm
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.