clonic spasm

noun Medicine/Medical.

See under spasm(def 1).

Origin of clonic spasm

First recorded in 1840–50

Words nearby clonic spasm

clonal selection theory, clonazepam, clone, clonic, clonic convulsion, clonic spasm, clonicity, clonicotonic, clonidine, cloning, cloning vector

Definition for clonic 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

SYNONYMS FOR spasm

2 fit, storm, flash, spurt.

British Dictionary definitions for clonic 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

Medical definitions for clonic spasm (1 of 2)

spasm
[ spăz′əm ]

n.

A sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
A muscle spasm.

Medical definitions for clonic spasm (2 of 2)

clonic spasm

n.

Alternate involuntary contraction and relaxation of a muscle.