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contracture

[ kuhn-trak-cher ]

noun

, Pathology.
  1. a shortening or distortion of muscular or connective tissue due to spasm, scar, or paralysis of the antagonist of the contracting muscle.


contracture

/ kənˈtræktʃə /

noun

  1. a disorder in which a skeletal muscle is permanently tightened (contracted), most often caused by spasm or paralysis of the antagonist muscle that maintains normal muscle tension


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Other Words From

  • con·tractured adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of contracture1

1650–60; < Latin contractūra, equivalent to contract ( us ) drawn together (past participle of contrahere; contract ) + -ūra -ure

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Example Sentences

A contracture is then developed, and it may be transferred to the opposite limb by the approach of a magnet.

The secondary changes in joints which are the seat of paralytic contracture are considered with the surgery of the Extremities.

The suspension of this tonic tic by volitional effort accentuates its distinction from contracture.

In his opinion, the eye mobility negatived any idea of contracture consequent on central lesions.

Their characteristic feature is the fact of the contracture being voluntary in origin.

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contractualcontracyclical