SPASM Definition & Meaning

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spasm

[ spaz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.
Synonyms: , , ,

verb (used without object)

to undergo a spasm or spasms:
Her eyesight had changed, and tests showed the muscles that allow the eye to focus were spasming.

spasm

/ ˈ��æ��ə�� /

noun

an involuntary muscular contraction, esp one resulting in cramp or convulsion
a sudden burst of activity, emotion, etc

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of spasm¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English spasme, spasom, from Old French (e)spasme and Latin spasmus, from Greek ��貹��ó�� “convulsion,” derivative of ��â�� “to draw (a sword), pull out, tear out, suck in, slurp down”

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of spasm¹

C14: from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos a cramp, from span to tear

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Celine Dion says her rare disorder, characterized by muscle rigidity and spasms, hinders her ability to perform or carry out everyday tasks.

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Last year’s documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” chronicled her struggles with the rare disease, which stiffens a person’s muscles, causing pain and spasms.

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This spasm in global security has given a prime minister who was sometimes accused of being a blank page a clearer story to tell.

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While waiting for the appointment, Mr Cannon said the pain started and increased "to the stage where, on a scale from nought to 10, I was having spasms at level eight".

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Jasprit Bumrah's absence - expected as he recovers from a back spasm sustained in the final Test in Australia - remains a talking point.

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