Tics

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /tɪks/

Definitions

1. Repetitive, sudden movements or sounds that occur involuntarily and may indicate underlying neurological conditions
2. Uncontrollable physical or vocal expressions that are often habitual, frequently linked to specific disorders or stress responses
3. Brief, involuntary gestures or noises that recur repeatedly without control

Etymology: "Tics" is a form of "tic," which English borrowed from French, where the word meant a twitch or spasm. Its exact origin in French is uncertain, so it is best to treat the English sense of involuntary, repeated movement as the core of the word's history.

Synonyms: spasms, twitches