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

Example sentences from the Web for spasm

British Dictionary definitions for 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 spasm

spasm
[ spăzəm ]

n.

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