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.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THIS MIDDLE SCHOOL PART OF SPEECH QUIZ!

How well do you know your adjectives from your adverbs? Your preposition from your pronouns? Your interjections from your conjunctions? Let’s put your knowledge of parts of speech to the text! Note: Many of the following questions will ask you to identify the parts of speech “in order.” That means the first word in all capital letters will correspond to the first option in an answer, and so on.

Question 1 of 10

In order, what parts of speech are the words in all capital letters? Alisa was VERY tired, SO she decided to go to bed.

adverb, adverb

adverb, conjunction

adjective, conjunction

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

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

Words nearby spasmodic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences 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 of spasmodic

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

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.