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.
Nearby words
- spartiate,
- sparver,
- spasm,
- spasm band,
- spasmo-,
- spasmodic dysmenorrhea,
- spasmodist,
- spasmolysis,
- spasmolytic,
- spasmophile
Sometimes spas·mod·i·cal.
Origin of spasmodic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for antispasmodic
antispasmodic
/ (ˌæntɪspæzˈmɒdɪk) /
adjective
preventing or arresting spasms, esp in smooth muscle
noun
an antispasmodic drug
spasmodic
rarely spasmodical
/ (spæzˈmɒdɪk) /
adjective
taking place in sudden brief spells
of or characterized by spasms
Word Origin for spasmodic
C17: New Latin, from Greek spasmos spasm
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
spasmodic
1681, from Medieval Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmodes "of the nature of a spasm," from spasmos (see spasm) + -odes "like."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
antispasmodic
[ ăn′tē-spăz-mŏd′ĭk, ăn′tī- ]
adj.
Preventing or relieving convulsions or spasms.
n.
An antispasmodic agent.
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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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