tic

Etymology

Borrowed from French tic.

noun

1. (neurology) A sudden, nonrhythmic motor movement or vocalization.
   Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple tics. A tic is a sudden, rapid, repetitive, non-rhythmic movement (e.g. eye blinking) or vocalization (e.g. throat clearing). 2020, Andrea E. Cavanna, Pharmacological Treatment of Tics, Cambridge University Press, page 9
2. (by extension) Something that is done or produced habitually or characteristically.
   Boyle revives some of the stylistic tics which found themselves being ripped off by geezer-gangster Britflicks back in the day, but now the freezeframes are briefer, sharper; the movie itself refers back to the original with variant flashback versions of famous scenes, but also Super 8-type images of the boys’ poignant boyhood in primary school. January 19, 2017, Peter Bradshaw, “T2 Trainspotting review – choose a sequel that doesn't disappoint”, in the Guardian
3. (abbreviation, informal) ticket

verb

1. (intransitive) To exhibit a tic; to undergo a sudden, semi-voluntary muscle movement.
   Patients often describe the need to tic as the mounting of inner tension, localized either to the body region where the tic is about to occur or throughout the body. 2020, Andrea E. Cavanna, Pharmacological Treatment of Tics, Cambridge University Press, page 9