spasmodic
UK: spæzˈmɒdɪk | US: spæzˈmɑːdɪk
adj. relating to or affected by involuntary muscle contractions
adj. occurring intermittently; irregular or fitful
adj. characterized by sudden bursts of energy or activity
spasmodic = spasm<involuntary muscle contraction> + odic<relating to>
- spasm: From Greek spasmos (a pulling, convulsion), derived from span (to draw, pull).
- odic: A suffix of Greek origin (-ōdēs), meaning "pertaining to" or "resembling."
Etymology Origin:
The word spasmodic traces back to Greek spasmos, reflecting the abrupt, uncontrollable nature of muscle spasms. The suffix -odic was later added to form an adjective describing conditions or actions resembling such spasms. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe anything intermittent or erratic, mirroring the irregularity of physical spasms.
The patient experienced spasmodic twitching in his leg.
Her progress was spasmodic, with periods of intense work followed by long delays.
The engine made spasmodic noises before finally stalling.
His laughter was spasmodic, bursting out unexpectedly.
The spasmodic flickering of the lightbulb indicated a wiring issue.