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.
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.