Chinese res·tau·rant syndrome -'res-t(ə-)rənt-, -tə-.ränt-, -.tränt-, -tərnt- n a group of symptoms (as numbness of the neck, arms, and back with headache, dizziness, and palpitations) that is held to affect susceptible persons eating food and esp. Chinese food heavily seasoned with monosodium glutamate
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a transient syndrome associated with arterial dilatation, due to ingestion of monosodium glutamate, which is sometimes used liberally in seasoning Chinese food; it is characterized by throbbing of the head, lightheadedness, tightness of the jaw, neck, and shoulders, and backache.Medical dictionary. 2011.