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spasmodical

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spas⋅mod⋅ic

  [spaz-mod-ik]
Use spasmodical in a Sentence
–adjective
1. pertaining to or of the nature of a spasm; characterized by spasms.
2. resembling a spasm or spasms; sudden but brief; sporadic: spasmodic efforts at reform.
3. given to or characterized by bursts of excitement.
Also, spas⋅mod⋅i⋅cal.

Origin:
1675–85; < ML spasmodicus < Gk spasmd(ēs) spasmodic (deriv. of spasmós spasm; see -ode 1 ) + L -icus -ic

Related forms:
spas⋅mod⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. occasional, intermittent, periodic, fleeting.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

spasmodic 
1681, from M.L. spasmodicus, from Gk. spasmodes "of the nature of a spasm," from spasmos (see spasm) + -odes "like."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: spas·mod·ic
Pronunciation: spaz-'mäd-ik
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from spasm spasmodic twitching> spasmodic cough> —spas·mod·i·cal·ly /-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

spasmodic spas·mod·ic (spāz-mŏd'ĭk)
adj.

  1. Relating to, affected by, or having the character of a spasm; convulsive.

  2. Happening intermittently; fitful.

  3. Given to sudden outbursts of energy or of feeling; excitable.

spas·mod'i·cal·ly adv.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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