Home US English telegraphist's cramp

Definition of telegraphist's cramp in English:

telegraphist's cramp

(also telegraphists' cramp)

noun

historical

  • Muscle spasm, weakness, and pain of the forearm or hand occurring as an occupational disorder in telegraph operators; also called telegrapher's cramp.

Origin

Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Lancet. After German Telegraphistenkrampf or its model French mal télégraphique (both 1875 or earlier).