spasmodic

[ spaz-mod-ik ]

See synonyms for spasmodic on Thesaurus.com

adjective

pertaining to or of the nature of a spasm; characterized by spasms.
resembling a spasm or spasms; sudden but brief; sporadic: spasmodic efforts at reform.

given to or characterized by bursts of excitement.

Origin of spasmodic

First recorded in 1675–85; from Medieval Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmṓd(ēs) “spasmodic” (derivative of spasmós spasm; see -ode¹) + Latin -icus -ic

Sometimes spas·mod·i·cal [spaz-mod-i-kuhl] /spæzˈmɒd ɪ kəl/ .

Other words for spasmodic

2	occasional, intermittent; periodic; fleeting

See synonyms for spasmodic on Thesaurus.com

Other words from spasmodic

spas·mod·i·cal·ly, adverb
an·ti·spas·mod·ic, adjective, noun
post·spas·mod·ic, adjective
un·spas·mod·ic, adjective
un·spas·mod·i·cal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for spasmodic

spasmodic

rarely spasmodical

/ (spæzˈmɒdɪk) /

adjective

taking place in sudden brief spells
of or characterized by spasms

Origin of spasmodic

C17: New Latin, from Greek spasmos spasm

Derived forms of spasmodic

spasmodically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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