intermittent

American  

[in-ter-mit-nt] / ˌɪn tərˈmɪt nt /

adjective

1. stopping or ceasing for a time; alternately ceasing and beginning again.

   an intermittent pain.

   Synonyms:

   sporadic, interrupted

2. alternately functioning and not functioning or alternately functioning properly and improperly.

3. (of streams, lakes, or springs) recurrent; showing water only part of the time.

---

intermittent British  

/ ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt /

adjective

1. occurring occasionally or at regular or irregular intervals; periodic

---

Other Word Forms

• intermittence noun
• intermittency noun
• intermittently adverb
• nonintermittence noun
• nonintermittent adjective
• nonintermittentness noun
• unintermittent adjective

Etymology

Origin of intermittent

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin intermittent- (stem of intermittēns ), present participle of intermittere “to leave a space between, drop off (for a while)”; intermit, -ent

Example Sentences

Crude oil prices are expected to remain subdued as the market continues to face a structural supply surplus, which is likely to cap sustained upside despite intermittent geopolitical-driven price swings.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, intermittent fasting has gained enormous popularity.

From Science Daily

But they say intermittent fasting could still improve overall health through helpful changes to some body functions, though more evidence is needed.

From BBC

She gets some financial support from an International Olympic Committee scholarship fund and small, intermittent assistance from the federation.

From Los Angeles Times

People with IBD are advised to consult their healthcare provider before adjusting their eating schedule to determine whether intermittent fasting is appropriate for them.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• fitful
• infrequent
• occasional
• periodic
• recurrent
• recurring
• seasonal