spasmodic Hear it!

spasmodic Definition

spas·modic (spaz mädik)

adjective

  1. of, having the nature of, like, or characterized by a spasm or spasms; sudden, violent, and temporary; fitful; intermittent
  2. Rare highly emotional or excitable

Etymology: ModL spasmodicus < Gr spasodēs < spasmos: see spasm & -oid

spasmodic Related Forms

spas·modi·cally adverb

spasmodic Synonyms

spasmodic

modif.

  1. Twitchy

    jerky, convulsive, spastic; see shaky 1.

  2. Irregular

    uncertain, sporadic, periodic; see irregular 1.

spasmodic Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • dysphonia: Spasmodic dysphonia may follow an infection of the respiratory tract, injury to the larynx or a period of excess voice use.
  • torticollis: Around 40 per cent of patients with spasmodic torticollis are helped.
  • cough: Thyme has a long history of use in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as for bronchitis.
  • movement: It is full of choreographed hysteria and spasmodic movement.
  • colic: Classification of colic Spasmodic colic is the most common type of colic.
  • effort: Yet we still make spasmodic efforts to dress ourselves in the colors of medieval feudalism.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: The link with the Aquarius young unemployed has been very spasmodic and has resulted in an occasional group.
  • rather: Amount of work depends on time of year and area, but is rather spasmodic.
  • somewhat: None of which things matter much save in partially explaining the motives and expectations of Dr. Porteous in his somewhat spasmodic lecturing career.
  • only: The decider went the way of Tuominen's other winning games, 11/5, with Anjema offering only spasmodic resistance, disappointingly.

Used with adjective complement

become: Don Revie's appearances became spasmodic as he surrendered the captaincy to Goodwin with his thoughts turning to management and retirement.

Browse dictionary entries near spasmodic

  1. spasm
  2. sparteine
  3. Spartan
  4. Spartacus
  5. Sparta
  6. Sparshott, Francis
  7. sparse network
  8. sparse
  9. sparry
  10. sparrowgrass
  1. spastic
  2. spastic paralysis
  3. spat
  4. spatchcock
  5. spate
  6. spathaceous
  7. spathe
  8. spathic
  9. spathose
  10. spathulate