colic

[ kol-ik ]

noun

1. Also called in·fan·tile col·ic [in, -f, uh, n-tahyl , kol, -ik],. 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.

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

/ ˈkɒlɪk /

noun

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

colic

/ 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.

Other Words From

• col·ick·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of colic¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of colic¹

C15: from Old French colique, from Late Latin cōlicus ill with colic, from Greek kōlon, variant of kolon colon ²

Example Sentences

“Over the course of 74 years, I’m certain that many ponies have passed away due to natural causes or horse-related diseases, especially colic,” Weeks told The Times in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Slate

By the time a scan confirmed that a stone was blocking my kidney, causing renal colic, I was a roiling puddle of agony, hysterically demanding that my husband emulate Shirley Maclaine in “Terms of Endearment” and go get me stronger medication.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times