glass arm
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A stiff arm resulting from a long session of amateur radio CW operation.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
If he were to use his fingers instead of his wrist, he would soon have telegrapher's paralysis or a “glass arm," in the lingo of the radio cabin.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “glass arm” mean?
A stiff arm resulting from a long session of amateur radio CW operation.
Is “glass arm” formal or informal?
glass arm is generally slang.