Spasm (?), n. [F. spasme, L.
spasmus, Gr. &?;, from &?;, &?;, to draw, to cause convulsion.
Cf. Span, v. t.] 1.
(Med.) An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or
more muscles or muscular fibers.
&fist; 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.
Spasm (?), n. [F. spasme, L.
spasmus, Gr. &?;, from &?;, &?;, to draw, to cause convulsion.
Cf. Span, v. t.] 1.
(Med.) An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or
more muscles or muscular fibers.
&fist; 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.