spasmodic

[ spaz-mod-ik ]
/ spæzˈmɒd ɪk /

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.
Sometimes spas·mod·i·cal.

Origin of spasmodic

1675–85; < Medieval Latin spasmodicus < Greek spasmṓd(ēs) spasmodic (derivative of spasmós spasm; see -ode1) + Latin -icus -ic

SYNONYMS FOR spasmodic

2 occasional, intermittent, periodic, fleeting.

OTHER WORDS FROM spasmodic

Words nearby spasmodic

spartiate, sparver, spasm, spasm band, spasmo-, spasmodic, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, spasmodist, spasmolysis, spasmolytic, spasmophilia

Example sentences from the Web for antispasmodic

British Dictionary definitions for antispasmodic (1 of 2)

antispasmodic
/ (ˌæntɪspæzˈmɒdɪk) /

adjective

preventing or arresting spasms, esp in smooth muscle

noun

an antispasmodic drug

British Dictionary definitions for antispasmodic (2 of 2)

spasmodic

rarely spasmodical

/ (spæzˈmɒdɪk) /

adjective

taking place in sudden brief spells
of or characterized by spasms

Derived forms of spasmodic

spasmodically, adverb

Word Origin for spasmodic

C17: New Latin, from Greek spasmos spasm

Medical definitions for antispasmodic (1 of 2)

antispasmodic
[ ăn′tē-spăz-mŏd′ĭk, ăn′tī- ]

adj.

Preventing or relieving convulsions or spasms.

n.

An antispasmodic agent.

Medical definitions for antispasmodic (2 of 2)

spasmodic
[ spăz-mŏd′ĭk ]

adj.

Relating to, affected by, or having the character of a spasm; convulsive.
Happening intermittently; fitful.
Given to sudden outbursts of energy or of feeling; excitable.

Other words from spasmodic

spas•mod′i•cal•ly adv.