Main Entry:

spasm

Pronunciation:

\ˈspa-zəm\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English spasme, from Anglo-French espasme, from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos, from span to draw, pull

Date:

14th century

1 : an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction 2 : a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation <a spasm of creativity> <spasms of pain>

— spasm intransitive verb