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spasmodically - 2 dictionary results

spas⋅mod⋅ic

  [spaz-mod-ik]
Use spasmodically 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.
Cite This Source Link To spasmodically
spas·mod·ic   (spāz-mŏd'ĭk)   
adj.  
  1. Relating to, affected by, or having the character of a spasm; convulsive.
  2. Happening intermittently; fitful: spasmodic rifle fire.
  3. Given to sudden outbursts of energy or feeling; excitable.

[New Latin spasmōdicus, from Greek spasmōdēs, from spasmos, spasm; see spasm.]
spas·mod'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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