spasmodic

[ spaz-mod-ik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of a spasm; characterized by spasms.
2. resembling a spasm or spasms; sudden but brief; sporadic:

   spasmodic efforts at reform.

   Synonyms: fleeting, periodic, intermittent, occasional

3. given to or characterized by bursts of excitement.

spasmodic

/ spæzˈmɒdɪk /

adjective

1. taking place in sudden brief spells
2. of or characterized by spasms

Derived Forms

• spasˈmodically, adverb

Other Words From

• spas·mod·i·cal·ly adverb
• an·ti·spas·mod·ic adjective noun
• post·spas·mod·ic adjective
• un·spas·mod·ic adjective
• un·spas·mod·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasmodic¹

First recorded in 1675–85; from Medieval Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmṓd(ēs) “spasmodic” (derivative of spasmós spasm; -ode ¹ ) + Latin -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasmodic¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek spasmos spasm

Example Sentences

Laughter is a sudden, spasmodic expulsion air, but, at the same time, it is adjacent to other, more concerning practices of expulsion and denigration.

From Salon

Consultations with doctors eventually brought a brutal diagnosis: spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder in which the muscles in the larynx tighten or lapse into spasms, strangulating speech while making singing a significant challenge.

From New York Times

He also has a noticeably strained, raspy voice caused by spasmodic dysphonia, a disorder that causes involuntary spasms in the muscles of the voice box.

From BBC

‘If I could sound better, I would,’ says the presidential candidate, who has spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that affects his vocal cords.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he saw spasmodic dysphonia on a long list of possible side effects.

From Los Angeles Times