Spasmodic \Spas"mod"ic\, a. [Gr. ?; ? a convulsion + ? likeness:
cf. F. spasmotique.]
1. (Med.) Of or pertaining to spasm; consisting in spasm;
occuring in, or characterized by, spasms; as, a spasmodic
asthma.
2. 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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