The word "spasmodic" is spelled with an initial "s", followed by "p" and "a" pronounced as /æ/. Then comes "s" again, followed by "m" pronounced as /m/, and "o" pronounced as /ɑː/. After "d" comes "i" pronounced as /ɪ/ and "c" pronounced as /k/. The final letter is "s" pronounced as /s/. The word describes sudden and irregular movements or actions, and its spelling reflects the jerky motion it represents. It is often used in medical contexts to describe muscle spasms.
Spasmodic is an adjective that is typically used to describe something that occurs suddenly, in irregular or periodic bursts, or with sudden and involuntary movements. It can refer to both physical and emotional phenomena.
In terms of physical occurrences, spasmodic often describes sudden, uncontrolled or involuntary movements or contractions. For example, spasmodic muscle twitches or spasmodic coughing may occur. These movements are often abrupt, jerky, and temporary, rather than being sustained or continuous.
Spasmodic can also describe irregular or periodic bursts of activity or behavior. For instance, spasmodic bouts of laughter or crying may occur, where the laughter or tears are sudden and brief, and may not be easily controllable. Similarly, spasmodic efforts or attempts may refer to actions that are made intermittently, without a consistent or sustained effort.
On an emotional level, spasmodic can describe sudden changes or fluctuations in mood or emotional states. For example, spasmodic anger may refer to sudden and intense outbursts of anger, which can occur with little or no warning. Spasmodic fear or anxiety may also describe sudden or periodic moments of intense emotional distress.
Overall, the term spasmodic refers to actions, movements, behavior, or emotions that are characterized by sudden, irregular, and sometimes uncontrolled bursts or motions.
Relating to or marked by spasm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Relating to spasms; convulsive.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spasmodic" originated from the Greek word "spasmos", which means "a spasm" or "a convulsion". "Spasmos" was derived from the Greek verb "spao", which translates to "draw up sharply" or "twitch". The term "spasmodic" made its way into English in the late 17th century, maintaining its original meaning of sudden involuntary muscular contractions or twitching. Over time, the word's usage expanded metaphorically to describe anything characterized by irregular, sudden, or jerky movements or actions, such as spasmodic laughter or spasmodic efforts.