tetany: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “tetany” mean?
A medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, cramps, and twitching, often caused by low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, cramps, and twitching, often caused by low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia).
In a broader medical context, it can refer to a state of sustained muscle contraction or hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles, which may also be caused by alkalosis or hyperventilation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely clinical; carries no additional cultural or social connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both UK and US English, confined to medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tetany” in a Sentence
The patient developed tetany.Hypocalcemia can induce tetany.Tetany is characterised by carpopedal spasm.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tetany” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The tetanic contraction was observed.
- She showed tetanic symptoms.
American English
- The tetanic contraction was observed.
- She exhibited tetanic symptoms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, and physiology textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in clinical medicine, endocrinology, and emergency medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tetany”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tetany”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tetany”
- Using 'tetany' to refer to a single, isolated cramp (e.g., a leg cramp).
- Misspelling as 'tetaney' or 'teteny'.
- Confusing with 'tetanus', which is a different bacterial infection.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tetany is a metabolic condition causing spasms due to electrolyte imbalance (e.g., low calcium). Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by a bacterial toxin, leading to severe muscle stiffness and lockjaw.
Indirectly. Extreme anxiety can lead to hyperventilation (over-breathing), which causes respiratory alkalosis. This alkalosis can lower ionized calcium levels in the blood, potentially triggering tetany, often called 'hyperventilation tetany'.
Carpopedal spasm is classic. This is a contraction where the wrist and ankle joints flex, the fingers clench, and the toes curl inward. Another sign is Trousseau's sign, where a blood pressure cuff inflated on the arm triggers hand spasms.
Treatment addresses the underlying cause. For acute hypocalcemic tetany, intravenous calcium gluconate is administered. Long-term management may involve oral calcium and vitamin D supplements, and correcting alkalosis if present.
A medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, cramps, and twitching, often caused by low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia).
Tetany is usually technical/medical in register.
Tetany: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛtəni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛtəni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TETANY' as 'Tense Every Tiny And Nervous muscle Yard' – a reminder of the widespread muscle tension.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common metabolic cause of tetany?