Spasmodic: meaning, definitions and examples
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spasmodic
[ spæzˈmɒdɪk ]
medical term
Spasmodic refers to something characterized by sudden, brief, and often irregular or involuntary muscular contractions or spasms. This term is often used in the context of medical conditions, such as spasmodic dysphonia, where the voice muscles spasm during speech. It may also describe movements or actions that are erratic and unpredictable, giving a sense of urgency or intensity. In literature, it may refer to actions taken in spurts, rather than consistently over time.
Synonyms
abrupt, fitful, intermittent, irregular, sudden.
Examples of usage
- The patient experienced spasmodic contractions.
- Her spasmodic laughter filled the room.
- He had a spasmodic attack of coughing.
- The spasmodic movements were alarming.
- Spasmodic activity can disrupt normal functions.
Translations
Translations of the word "spasmodic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 espasmódico
🇮🇳 स्फास्मोडिक
🇩🇪 krampfartig
🇮🇩 spasmodik
🇺🇦 спазматичний
🇵🇱 spazmatyczny
🇯🇵 痙攣性の
🇫🇷 spasmodique
🇪🇸 espasmódico
🇹🇷 spazmodik
🇰🇷 경련성의
🇸🇦 تشنجي
🇨🇿 spazmodický
🇸🇰 spazmodický
🇨🇳 痉挛的
🇸🇮 spazmodičen
🇮🇸 spastískur
🇰🇿 спазматикалық
🇬🇪 სპაზმური
🇦🇿 spazmodik
🇲🇽 espasmódico
Etymology
The term 'spasmodic' derives from the Greek word 'spasmos', which means 'a pulling, a twitch'. This etymology reflects the involuntary and sudden nature of spasms. The word came into use in English during the 19th century and has primarily remained in medical contexts, although it has been adopted into everyday language to describe actions or behaviors that are erratic or fitful. Spasmodic is often used to describe conditions that feature muscle spasms or sudden interruptions in normal bodily function, and over time, its usage has expanded into metaphorical applications in various fields, including literature, to depict sudden bursts of activity or emotion.