spasmodic

adjective
UK: /spæzˈmɒd.ɪk/
US: /spæzˈmɑː.dɪk/

  1. Occurring in irregular bursts or sudden, brief intervals.

    1. He had a spasmodic cough that wouldn't stop.
    2. The project experienced spasmodic progress, with intense activity followed by quiet periods.

  2. Relating to or affected by spasms; characterized by involuntary muscular contractions.

    1. The illness caused spasmodic movements in her legs.
    2. The doctor prescribed medication to relieve the patient's spasmodic abdominal pain after dinner.

Synonyms

convulsive fitful jerky irregular intermittent
spasmodic adverb

  1. In an irregular or intermittent manner, marked by or resembling spasms.

    1. The engine sputtered spasmodically before dying.
    2. The light flickered spasmodically as the power fluctuated during the electrical storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "spasmodic" in English means: Occurring in irregular bursts or sudden, brief intervals., Relating to or affected by spasms; characterized by involuntary muscular contractions..

The phonetic transcription of "spasmodic" is /spæzˈmɒd.ɪk/ in British English and /spæzˈmɑː.dɪk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "spasmodic": convulsive, fitful, jerky, irregular, intermittent.

Example usage of "spasmodic": "He had a spasmodic cough that wouldn't stop.". More examples on the page.