spasm

From Middle English spasme, from Old French spasme, from Latin spasmus, from Ancient Greek σπασμός (spasmós, “spasm, convulsion”). Compare span.

IPA^(key): /ˈspæzəm/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

spasm (plural spasms)

1. A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ.
2. A violent, excruciating seizure of pain.
3. A sudden and temporary burst of energy, activity, or emotion.

spasm (third-person singular simple present spasms, present participle spasming, simple past and past participle spasmed)

1. To produce and undergo a spasm.

• samps, spams