spasmodic

American  

[spaz-mod-ik] / spæzˈmɒd ɪk /

Sometimes spasmodical

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.

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spasmodic British  

/ spæzˈmɒdɪk /

adjective

1. taking place in sudden brief spells

2. of or characterized by spasms

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Other Word Forms

• antispasmodic adjective
• postspasmodic adjective
• spasmodically adverb
• unspasmodic adjective
• unspasmodical adjective

Etymology

Origin of spasmodic

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