First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1cramp
noun \ˈkramp\
Definition of CRAMP
1
: a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
2
: a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse — compare writer's cramp
3
a : sharp abdominal pain —usually used in plural b : persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea —usually used in plural
— crampy \ˈkram-pē\ adjective
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Origin of CRAMP
Middle English crampe, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch crampe; akin to Old High German krampf bent
Other Medicine Terms
2cramp
noun
Definition of CRAMP
1
a : a usually iron device bent at the ends and used to hold timbers or blocks of stone together b : clamp
2
a : something that confines : shackle b : the state of being confined
Origin of CRAMP
Middle English crampe, from Middle Dutch
First Known Use: 15th century
3cramp
verb
: to cause (a part of the body) to feel pain because of tight muscles : to cause a cramp in (your hand, foot, etc.)
: to have a sudden painful tightening of muscles : to experience a cramp or cramps
: to prevent (something) from developing or growing freely
Full Definition of CRAMP
transitive verb
1
: to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps
2
3
: to fasten or hold with a cramp
intransitive verb
: to be affected with cramps
See cramp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CRAMP
15th century
4cramp
adjective
Definition of CRAMP
1
: hard to understand or figure out <cramp law terms> <cramp handwriting>
2
: being cramped <a cramp corner>
First Known Use of CRAMP
1674
CRAMPING Defined for Kids
1cramp
noun \ˈkramp\
Definition of CRAMP for Kids
1
: a sudden painful tightening of a muscle
2
: sharp pain in the abdomen —usually used in pl.
2cramp
verb
crampedcramp·ing
Definition of CRAMP for Kids
1
: to cause or experience a sudden painful muscular tightening in <My hand was cramping from all the writing.>
2
: to hold back from free action or expression : hamper <We were cramped by all the rules.>
Learn More About CRAMP
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