Main Entry:

¹col·ic

Pronunciation:

\ˈkä-lik\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Medieval Latin colica (passio) intestinal (suffering), from Late Latin colicus of the colon, colicky, from Greek kōlikos, from kōlon, alteration of kolon colon

Date:

15th century

1 : an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ and often caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting 2 : a condition marked by recurrent episodes of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant that is of unknown cause and usually subsides after three to four months of age