Colic: meaning, definitions and examples

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colic

 

[หˆkษ’lษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Colic is a term used to describe severe, often fluctuating pain that is caused by the intestine or other parts of the digestive tract undergoing spasms. It is most commonly associated with infants experiencing excessive crying due to stomach discomfort, but colic can occur in adults as well. In infants, this condition typically manifests as prolonged periods of crying and distress, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening. The exact cause of colic in infants is not well understood, though it may be linked to factors such as feeding habits, sensitivity to stimuli, or immature digestive systems.

Synonyms

abdominal pain, cramp, spasm.

Examples of usage

  • The newborn was diagnosed with colic after hours of crying.
  • The doctor suggested several remedies to alleviate the colic symptoms.
  • Many parents feel helpless when their baby suffers from colic.
  • Colic in adults can lead to significant discomfort and requires medical guidance.

Interesting Facts

Medical Knowledge

  • Colic is often most common in babies, usually starting when they are a few weeks old and often going away by the time they're 3 to 4 months old.
  • The exact cause of colic is still not entirely understood, but it's believed to relate to digestive systems that are still developing.
  • Some studies suggest that babies with colic may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, like noise and bright lights.

Cultural Perceptions

  • Throughout history, many cultures viewed colic as a sign of a mother's inability to soothe her baby, leading to stigma and guilt.
  • In some cultures, various herbal remedies and treatments have been handed down through generations to alleviate colic symptoms.
  • Modern parenting has increased awareness about colic, promoting discussions and support among parents dealing with this common challenge.

Psychological Aspects

  • Parents of colicky babies often experience increased stress and fatigue, impacting their mental health.
  • The experience of dealing with a colicky baby can affect the parent-child bond, making understanding and support vital.
  • Awareness of colic has led psychologists to develop approaches to help parents cope with the emotional strain.

Scientific Research

  • Research shows that certain dietary changes in breastfeeding mothers can sometimes reduce colic symptoms in babies.
  • Studies are ongoing to better understand the microbiome's role in digestion and its potential link to colic in infants.
  • There has been exploration into the effectiveness of different soothing techniques, such as swaddling and movement, in alleviating colic.

Historical Origins

  • The word 'colic' comes from the Greek 'kolikos', which means 'of the colon', referring to one area where pain can occur.
  • Colic has been recognized for centuries, with Ancient Greek physicians already documenting the condition in infants.
  • In earlier times, colic was often attributed to evil spirits or bad air, showcasing how medical understanding has evolved over the years.

Translations

Translations of the word "colic" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cรณlica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‹เคฒเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kolik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kolik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปั–ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ณใƒชใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท colique

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cรณlico

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kolik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฝœ๋ฆญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุบุต

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolika

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kolika

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ปž็—›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kolika

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ garnir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะปะธะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cรณlico

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,538, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.