colic

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noun col·ic \ˈkä-lik\

Definition of colic

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

See colic defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of colic

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

colic

adjective col·ic

Definition of colic

: of or relating to colic : colicky colic crying

First Known Use of colic

15th century

colic

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adjective co·lic \ˈkō-lik, ˈkä-\

Definition of colic

: of or relating to the colon colic lymph nodes

First Known Use of colic

1615

COLIC Defined for English Language Learners

colic

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noun

Definition of colic for English Language Learners

: a sharp sudden pain in the stomach
: a physical condition in which a baby is very uncomfortable and cries for long periods of time

COLIC Defined for Kids

colic

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noun col·ic \ˈkä-lik\

Definition of colic for Students

1 : sharp pain in the intestines
2 : a condition in which a healthy baby is uncomfortable and cries for long periods of time

colicky

\ˈkä-lə-kē\ adjective

Medical Dictionary

colic

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noun col·ic \ˈkäl-ik\

Medical Definition of colic

1: an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ or part (as the small intestine, ureter, or bile duct) 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