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involuntary muscle
noun
: muscle governing reflex functions and not under direct voluntary control
especially
: smooth muscle
Examples of involuntary muscle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to experts, the movements are prime examples of myoclonus or myoclonic jerks—involuntary muscle spasms similar to hiccups and epileptic seizures.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Leg cramps, sometimes called charley horses, are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that cause intense shooting pain that lasts seconds to minutes.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Sea lions experiencing symptoms such as seizures, disorientation, erratic behavior and involuntary muscle spams are washing up on the shores of beaches along the 155 miles of coastline within the two counties.
—Marissa Wenzke, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2024
Sage Therapeutics said Wednesday that an experimental pill failed to quell involuntary muscle shaking in patients with a neurological condition called essential tremor.
—Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 24 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1840, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of involuntary muscle was
in 1840
Dictionary Entries Near involuntary muscle
Cite this Entry
“Involuntary muscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/involuntary%20muscle. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
involuntary muscle
nounMedical Definition
involuntary muscle
noun
: muscle governing reflex functions and not under direct voluntary control
especially
: smooth muscle
More from Merriam-Webster on involuntary muscle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about involuntary muscle
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