contracture
(kənˈtræktjʊə(r))
[a. F. contracture (Cotgr.), or ad. L. contractūra, f. contract- ppl. stem of contrahĕre to contract.]
1. Path. A condition of persistent contraction and rigidity in the muscles or the joints.
| 1658 A. Fox tr. Wurtz' Surg. i. iii. 9 The healing is often hindered, and contractures and lameness are caused. 1876 tr. Ziemssen's Cycl. Med. XI. 382 The mode of origin of these hemiplegic contractures differs essentially from that of paralytic contractures. 1882 Syd. Soc. Lex., Contracture..is usually slowly developed in muscles, as a consequence of rheumatism, neuralgia, convulsions, in paralysis, etc. |
2. Arch. The narrowing of a column towards its upper part. [So in Fr.]
| 1664 Evelyn tr. Freart's Archit. 126 A Contracture and comely diminution, by workmen called the breaking of the Pillar. 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Contracture, the making small of Pillars about the top. Hence in Bailey, etc. |