spasm

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spasm /sp'æzəm/ (spasms)
1 [N-VAR] oft into N
A spasm is a sudden tightening of your muscles, which you cannot control.
A muscular spasm in the coronary artery can cause a heart attack...
A lack of magnesium causes muscles to go into spasm.
= convulsion
2 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
A spasm is a sudden strong pain or unpleasant emotion which lasts for a short period of time. (WRITTEN)
A spasm of pain brought his thoughts back to the present...

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ablaze

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allowance

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