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twinge definition

twinge (twinj)

transitive verb twinged, twinging twing′·ing

to cause to have a sudden, brief, darting pain or pang

Etymology: ME twengen < OE twengan, to squeeze, press, pinch; akin to MHG twengen, to pinch, squeeze (< OHG dwengen, caus. of dwingan, to constrain) & OE thwang, a thong, prob. < IE base *tuengh-, to constrain

intransitive verb

to feel a sudden, brief, darting pain or pang

noun

  1. a sudden, brief, darting pain or pang
  2. a sudden, brief feeling of remorse, shame, etc.; qualm

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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