tetany

[ tet-n-ee ]
/ ˈtɛt n i /

noun Pathology.

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

Origin of tetany

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

Example sentences from the Web for tetany

British Dictionary definitions for tetany

tetany
/ (ˈtɛtənɪ) /

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

Medical definitions for tetany

tetany
[ tĕtn-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