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 convulsions
  • Fortunately, she was in a clinic, where the doctor guessed immediately that she was in the grip of malarial convulsions.
  • The sedative medications ward off convulsions and brain damage.
  • Foreign donors sometimes bring food and tablets to treat convulsions.
  • It attacks the brain, causing agitation, terror and convulsions.
  • While shooting video, however, movement is so blurred that you appear to be having convulsions every time you nod your head.
  • Tetanus is a disease that causes severe muscular contractions and convulsions.
  • Amid the political convulsions that rippled westwards, he became a revolutionary socialist.
  • But even underground testing left craters and seismic convulsions.
  • Types of seizures vary from staring episodes or eye blinks to sudden falls or convulsions.
  • When the oil runs out and foreign buyers stop buying gilts, the country is in for some huge convulsions.
British Dictionary definitions for convulsions

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 convulsions

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."

convulsions in Medicine

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

convulsions 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 convulsions

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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