convulsion

[kuh n-vuhl-shuh n] /kənˈvʌl ʃən/
noun
1.
contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contractions of the extremities, trunk, and head.
2.
violent agitation or disturbance; commotion.
3.
an outburst of great, uncontrollable laughter.
Origin
1575-85; < Latin convulsiōn- (stem of convulsiō). See convulse, -ion
Examples from the web for convulsion
  • He would lie motionless beneath a lily pad and then explode in a convulsion of movement if something tasty came by.
  • But a political convulsion has now upended this picture.
  • All coming together, interest was diffused, and no convulsion thus far is apprehended.
  • Now, with the big switch, there has been a nationwide convulsion.
  • Around the same time he begins to get excruciating headaches, which culminate in a convulsion.
  • Large doses have also been known to cause convulsion.
  • She wanted to go, wanted to be part of what was unfolding, this great historical convulsion.
  • After a brief space, the convulsion grew almost imperceptible, and finally subsided into the depths of his nature.
  • All the trouble and convulsion has proceeded from efforts to spread it over more territory.
  • Often a fever triggers a full-blown convulsion that involves the whole body.
British Dictionary definitions for convulsion

convulsion

/kənˈvʌlʃən/
noun
1.
a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles
2.
a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp a social one
3.
(usually pl) (informal) uncontrollable laughter: I was in convulsions
Derived Forms
convulsionary, adjective
Word Origin and History for convulsion
n.

1580s, from Latin convulsionem (nominative convulsio), noun of action from past participle stem of convellere "to tear loose," from com- "together" (see com-) + vellere "to pluck, pull violently."

convulsion in Medicine

convulsion con·vul·sion (kən-vŭl'shən)
n.
An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction.

convulsion in Culture

convulsion definition


A severe, often violent involuntary contraction of the muscles. Convulsions may be caused by high fevers or poisoning and often accompany such diseases such as epilepsy.

Encyclopedia Article for convulsion

condition characterized by violent, uncontrolled spasmodic contractions and relaxations of the voluntary muscles. Convulsions may be a symptom resulting from various conditions and diseases, such as epilepsy, uremia, eclampsia, rabies, tetanus, strychnine poisoning, and cerebral tumour. They are usually accompanied by loss of consciousness. During a convulsion the individual's clothing should be loosened around the neck, the head should be cushioned with a pillow, and any sharp or hard objects should be removed from the area. An object should never be inserted into the person's mouth during a convulsion. Medical treatment should be sought immediately after the convulsion ceases.

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