Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Spasmodic
Spas′mod′ic (·mŏd′ĭk), a. [Gr. σπασμώδης; σπασμός a convulsion + εἶδος 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.
Spas·mod′ic, n. (Med.) A medicine for spasm.