colic

1 of 3

noun

col·​ic ˈkä-lik 

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

colic

2 of 3

adjective (1)

: of or relating to colic : colicky

colic crying

colic

3 of 3

adjective (2)

co·​lic ˈkō-lik  ˈkä- 

: of or relating to the colon

colic lymph nodes

Examples of colic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Symptoms, called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic, often start after eating a big meal or during the night or evening. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025

The rare photo of Aurora that accompanied the revelation that the newborn has colic came after Blanchard shared side-by-side photos to highlight her weight loss transformation. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Here are some medications that may be used: Pain Relievers Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve biliary colic pain. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 Jan. 2025

Around 50% of renal colic attacks involve nausea.19 Vomiting: Emesis (vomiting) is induced by nerve signals sent from the gut to a part of the brain called the brain stem. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colic

• painter's colic

Rhymes for colic

• frolic
• moloch
• pollack
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic
• cytosolic
• diabolic
• diastolic
• ethanolic
• hyperbolic

Kids Definition

colic

noun

col·​ic

ˈkäl-ik

1

: sharp sudden pain in the abdomen

2

: a condition marked by periods of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant

colicky

-i-kē

adjective

Medical Definition

colic

1 of 3 noun

col·​ic ˈkäl-ik 

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

colic

2 of 3 adjective

: of or relating to colic : colicky

colic crying

colic

3 of 3 adjective

co·​lic ˈkō-lik  ˈkäl-ik 

: of or relating to the colon

colic lymph nodes