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spasimo

spasm

noun SPAH-zee-moh Rare

Origin: Greek spasmos (convulsion)

Also means

pang of longing

Usage Note

Spasimo covers both physical and emotional senses: a muscle spasm (spasimo di dolore) and an intense pang of longing or anguish (spasimi d'amore). In the plural spasimi it often describes the throes of love or suffering. Do not confuse with spasmo (the medical/scientific term for spasm), which is more clinical.

Examples

"Sentì uno spasimo acuto alla schiena."

Natural Translation

He felt a sharp spasm in his back.

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