spasmodic

[spaz-mod-ik]

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

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

Synonyms for spasmodic

2. occasional, intermittent, periodic, fleeting.

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

Examples from the Web for antispasmodic

Historical Examples of antispasmodic

The plant is narcotic, antispasmodic and like belladonna it dilates the pupil.
The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines
T. H. Pardo de Tavera
Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, and tonic, and slightly aperient.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
These pills are stimulant, expectorant, antispasmodic, and emmenagogue.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
Antispasmodic, expectorant, and tonic, and in quantity emetic.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
The refined product is said to be antispasmodic, anodyne, and diaphoretic.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for antispasmodic

antispasmodic

adjective

preventing or arresting spasms, esp in smooth muscle

noun

an antispasmodic drug

spasmodic

rarely spasmodical

adjective

taking place in sudden brief spells

of or characterized by spasms

Derived Formsspasmodically, 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

Word Origin and History for antispasmodic

spasmodic

adj.

1681, from Medieval Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmodes "of the nature of a spasm," from spasmos (see spasm) + -odes "like."

antispasmodic in Medicine

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.

Related formsspas•mod′i•cal•ly adv.