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, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, spasmodist, spasmolysis, spasmolytic, spasmophilia

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.

Related forms

spas·mod·i·cal·ly, adverban·ti·spas·mod·ic, adjective, nounpost·spas·mod·ic, adjectiveun·spas·mod·ic, adjective

un·spas·mod·i·cal, adjectiveun·spas·mod·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for antispasmodic

It is antispasmodic, narcotic and toxic, and is used quite commonly with criminal intent in India and Indo-China.
The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines|T. H. Pardo de Tavera
Antispasmodic; but principally used as a perfume, being too weak for medical use.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley
Antispasmodic, expectorant, and tonic, and in quantity emetic.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley
It is tonic and antispasmodic, and has been advantageously used in chorea, epilepsy, and other nervous and spasmodic affections.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley

Acetic ether is diaphoretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, and narcotic.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

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

spasmodically, adverb

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

Medicine 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.

Medicine 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.

Related forms

spas•mod′i•cal•ly adv.