Nearby words
tonic contraction, tonic convulsion, tonic epilepsy, tonic pupil, tonic sol-fa, tonic spasm, tonicity, tonicoclonic, tonight, tonk, tonka bean
Origin of tonic spasm
First recorded in 1825–35
Definition for tonic spasm (2 of 2)
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.
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for tonic 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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for tonic spasm (1 of 2)
spasm
[ spăz′əm ]
n.
A sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
A muscle spasm.
Medicine definitions for tonic spasm (2 of 2)
tonic spasm
n.
A continuous involuntary muscular contraction.entasia
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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