from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Soon relaxed or exhausted; convulsive; intermittent; as,
spasmodic zeal or industry.
[1913 Webster]
{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}.
[1913 Webster]