tetany

[ tet-n-ee ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a state marked by severe, intermittent tonic contractions and muscular pain, due to abnormal calcium metabolism.

tetany

/ ˈtɛtənɪ /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal increase in the excitability of nerves and muscles resulting in spasms of the arms and legs, caused by a deficiency of parathyroid secretion

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetany¹

From the New Latin word tetania, dating back to 1880–85. See tetanus, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetany¹

C19: from French tétanie. See tetanus