spasmodic

English

WOTD – 22 July 2010

Etymology

From New Latin spasmodicus, from Ancient Greek σπασμώδης (spasmṓdēs, spasmodic), from σπασμός (spasmós, spasm).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /spæzˈmɒd.ɪk/
  • (US) IPA(key): /spæzˈmɑ.dɪk/
  • (file)

Adjective

spasmodic (comparative more spasmodic, superlative most spasmodic)

  1. Of or relating to a spasm; resembling a sudden contraction of the muscles.
  2. Convulsive; consisting of spasms.
    spasmodic asthma
  3. Intermittent or fitful; occurring in abrupt bursts.
    spasmodic zeal or industry
  4. Erratic or unsustained.
  5. Of or relating to the spasmodic poets, a group of British Victorian poets who wrote introspective drama in verse.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

spasmodic (plural spasmodics)

  1. A medicine for suppressing spasms.
    Synonym: antispasmodic
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