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

Gruel says Pellicano is broke and nearly blind due to an eye condition called spasmodic blepharospasm.

From The Daily Beast

He gasped a few times, then, gathering strength again, went on with that horrible spasmodic recitation.

From Project Gutenberg

A quick impulse that was somewhat spasmodic impelled her fingers to close in a sort of clutch upon his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

All at once I saw my comrade throw his hands up with a spasmodic gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

Very little of that unctuous spasmodic shouting, which used to characterise Wesleyanism, is heard in Lune-street Chapel.

From Project Gutenberg

Attempts in this direction were now not infrequent, but were necessarily spasmodic.

From Project Gutenberg