ˈspazəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English spasme, from Middle French, from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos, from span to draw, pull, tear — more at span
1.
a. : an involuntary and abnormal contraction of muscle or muscle fibers or of a hollow organ (as an artery, the colon, the esophagus) that consists largely of involuntary muscle fibers — compare clonus , tonus
b. : the state or condition of a muscle or organ affected with spasms
the renal artery went into spasm
2. : a sudden violent and temporary activity, effort, or emotion : burst , fit
a spasm of antagonism
a spasm of economy
a spasm of fear
a spasm of nervousness
a spasm of pain