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convulsions

 - 6 dictionary results

con⋅vul⋅sion

[kuhn-vuhl-shuhn]
–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; < L convulsiōn- (s. of convulsiō). See convulse, -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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con·vul·sion   (kən-vŭl'shən)   
n.  
  1. An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction.

  2. An uncontrolled fit, as of laughter; a paroxysm.

  3. Violent turmoil: "The market convulsions of the last few weeks have shaken the world" (Felix Rohatyn).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

convulsion

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.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

convulsion 
1585, from L. convulsionem, from pp. stem of convellere "to tear loose," from com- "together" + vellere "to pluck, pull violently."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: con·vul·sion
Pronunciation: k&n-'v&l-sh&n
Function: noun
: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series ofcontractions of the muscles —often used in plural convulsions>
Medical Dictionary

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

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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