D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Spasm

/spăz'-əm/ · IPA /ˈspæz.m̩/
01 n. An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or more muscles or muscular fibers.
  1. 1.
    An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or more muscles or muscular fibers.(Med.)
  2. 2.
    A sudden, violent, and temporary effort or emotion; as, a spasm of repentance.
Phrases & compounds
Cynic spasm — See under Cynic.
Spasm of the chest — See Angina pectoris, under Angina.