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.

Similar Results