colic

American  

[kol-ik] / ˈkɒl ɪk /

noun

1. Also called infantile colic.  Also called infant colic.  Pathology. a common, temporary condition in which a baby who is otherwise healthy cries repeatedly, excessively, and inconsolably, without apparent cause.

   To help create more awareness about colic, the doctors are writing a book for parents with fussy babies.

2. Pathology, Veterinary Pathology. paroxysmal pain in the abdomen or bowels.

   If a gallstone blocks one of the bile ducts, it can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain, known as biliary colic.

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adjective

Anatomy.

1. relating to or affecting the colon or the bowels.

   Colorectal cancer surgeons must have a good understanding of how colic arteries can differ among people.

colic British  

/ ˈkɒlɪk /

noun

1. a condition characterized by acute spasmodic abdominal pain, esp that caused by inflammation, distention, etc, of the gastrointestinal tract

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colic Scientific  

/ kŏl′ĭk /

1. Severe abdominal pain, often caused by spasm, obstruction, or distention of any of the hollow viscera, such as the intestines.

2. A condition seen in infants less than three months old, marked by periods of inconsolable crying lasting for hours at a time for at least three weeks. The cause is unknown.

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Other Word Forms

• colicky adjective

Etymology

Origin of colic

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English colike, from Middle French colique, Latin colica (passiō) “colonic (suffering),” from Greek kolikós “of the colon,” from kól(on) colon ² + -ikos -ic; colonic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Children of mothers with untreated depression had a higher risk of developing digestive conditions, including nausea and vomiting, functional constipation, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

The neighbor who tries to one-up your saga of seizures with a story about her son’s colic.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2024

Horses that can’t stand are at increased risk for complications such as pressure sores, colic and pneumonia.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

The Times excludes deaths due to colic, laminitis, neurological or other issues unless directly tied to racing or training.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2023

In addition, they can develop colic, a potentially fatal digestive crisis.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand