Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Spasm

Spasm

,
Noun.
[F.
spasme
, L.
spasmus
, Gr. [GREEK], from [GREEK], [GREEK], to draw, to cause convulsion. Cf.
Span
,
Verb.
T.
]
1.
(Med.)
An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or more muscles or muscular fibers.
☞ Spasm are usually either clonic or tonic. In clonic spasm, the muscles or muscular fibers contract and relax alternately in very quick succession. In tonic spasm, the contraction is steady and uniform, and continues for a comparatively long time, as in tetanus.
2.
A sudden, violent, and temporary effort or emotion;
as, a
spasm
of repentance
.
Cynic spasm
(Med.)
See under
Cynic
.
–
Spasm of the chest
.
See
Angina pectoris
, under
Angina
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Spasm

SPASM

,
Noun.
[L. spasmus.] A n involuntary contraction of muscles or muscular fibers in animal bodies; irregular motion of the muscles or muscular fibers; convulsion; cramp.

Definition 2024

spasm

spasm

English

Noun

spasm ‎(plural spasms)

  1. A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ.
  2. A violent, excruciating seizure of pain.
  3. A sudden and temporary burst of energy, activity, or emotion.

Translations

Verb

spasm ‎(third-person singular simple present spasms, present participle spasming, simple past and past participle spasmed)

  1. To produce and undergo a spasm.

Translations

Anagrams

Etymology

From Old French spasme, from Latin spasmus, from Ancient Greek σπασμός ‎(spasmós, “spasm, convulsion”). Compare span.

Pronunciation

IPA(key): /ˈspæzəm/

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