Main Entry: spas·mod·ic

Pronunciation: \spaz-ˈmä-dik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: New Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmōdēs, from spasmos

Date: circa 1681

1 a : relating to or affected or characterized by spasm b : resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence <a spasmodic jerk>
2 : acting or proceeding fitfully : intermittent <spasmodic activity>
3 : subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : excitable

synonyms see fitful

— spas·mod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb