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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