vasospasm

noun

va·so·spasm ˈvā-zō-ˌspa-zəm

: sharp and often persistent contraction of a blood vessel reducing its lumen and blood flow

vasospastic

ˌvā-zō-ˈspa-stik

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The two prevalent conditions with this issue are coronary microvascular disease and coronary vasospasm. —

Peggy Mccarthy, Hartford Courant, 30 Aug. 2022

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vasospasm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + spasm, probably after German Vasospasmus

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of vasospasm was in 1902

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vasospasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasospasm. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

vasospasm

noun

va·so·spasm ˈvā-zō-ˌspaz-əm

: sharp and often persistent contraction of a blood vessel reducing its caliber and blood flow

Word of the Day

fawn

Listen to the pronunciation of fawn

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.

Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY