The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spasmodic \Spas"mod"ic\, a. [Gr. ?; ? a convulsion + ? likeness: cf. F. spasmotique.]
(Med.) Of or pertaining to spasm; consisting in spasm; occuring in, or characterized by, spasms; as, a spasmodic asthma.
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Soon relaxed or exhausted; convulsive; intermittent; as, spasmodic zeal or industry.
Spasmodic croup (Med.), an affection of childhood characterized by a stoppage of brathing developed suddenly and without fever, and produced by spasmodic contraction of the vocal cords. It is sometimes fatal. Called also laryngismus stridulus, and childcrowing.
Spasmodic stricture, a stricture caused by muscular spasm without structural change. See Organic stricture, under Organic.