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

The name came from the belief that the green gemstone could cure colic in babies when it was placed on their stomachs. —Toketemu Ohwovoriole, Parents, 16 July 2024

In babies with colic, the following lifestyle habits may help relieve colic: Hold or sit the baby upright during feeding to reduce the amount of air the baby swallows. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

The baby may also gain weight very quickly and show signs of colic. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 8 July 2024

As a mom of three kids under five, she’s been through many of these considerations for probiotics for kids—two kids with eczema, one with colic, and countless rounds of antibiotics because, well, kids will be kids. —Dahlia Rimmon, Parents, 24 June 2024

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

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