Tic: meaning, definitions and examples

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tic

 

[ tษชk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that some people make, often without realizing it. Tics can be motor (involving movement) or vocal (involving sound). They can vary in intensity and frequency, and while many tics are harmless, they can be a symptom of conditions such as Tourette syndrome. Tics often occur in childhood and may improve with age.

Synonyms

jerk, spasm, twitch

Examples of usage

  • He has a habit of blinking as a tic.
  • Her throat clearing became a noticeable tic.
  • Tics often worsen with stress or excitement.
Context #2 | Noun

gaming term

In gaming, a tic can refer to a brief pause or delay within a game loop or during actions, often used to describe timing issues. It is important in programming, particularly in relation to the refresh rate of a game. A tic can also denote a specific unit of time in game mechanics, impacting how game actions are synchronized.

Synonyms

beat, interval, timing

Examples of usage

  • The game lagged with a noticeable tic.
  • We calculated the tic rate for better performance.
  • The characterโ€™s actions were delayed by a tic.

Translations

Translations of the word "tic" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tic

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tic

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tic

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tic

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tic

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tic

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‹ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูŠูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tik

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tik

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆปด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tic

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tic

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tic

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tic

Etymology

The word 'tic' comes from the French word 'tic', which itself originates from the Latin 'ticare', meaning 'to touch'. The term has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe spasmodic movements. The evolution of the term reflects both medical understanding and cultural perceptions of involuntary actions. As the study of neurological conditions progressed, particularly with the discovery of Tourette syndrome, 'tic' became a formal term in psychiatry and psychology. The word continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions about mental health, bringing attention to the complexities of involuntary physical actions and their implications.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,155, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.