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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for involuntary muscle 

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

noun

Medical Definition

involuntary muscle

noun
: muscle governing reflex functions and not under direct voluntary control
especially : smooth muscle

More from Merriam-Webster on involuntary muscle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!