n :  a series of alternating contractions and partial relaxations of a muscle that in some nervous diseases occurs in the form of convulsive spasms involving complex groups of muscles and is believed to result from alteration of the normal pattern of motoneuron discharge - compare TONUS2   .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  cleanse  col·o·nize  glans 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.