(~s)
1.
A ~ is a sudden tightening of your muscles, which you cannot control.
A muscular ~ in the coronary artery can cause a heart attack...
A lack of magnesium causes muscles to go into ~.
= convulsion
N-VAR: oft into N
2.
A ~ is a sudden strong pain or unpleasant emotion which lasts for a short period of time. (WRITTEN)
A ~ of pain brought his thoughts back to the present...
N-COUNT: usu N of n