spasmodically

UK: /spæzˈmɒdɪkəli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

spas•mod•ic /spæzˈmɑdɪk/  also spasˈmod•i•cal, adj. 

1. Pathology of or relating to a spasm.
2. resembling a spasm by being sudden but brief and not organized;
   sporadic:
   a few spasmodic efforts to clean out the cellar.

spas•mod•i•cal•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

spas•mod•ic  (spaz mod′ik), adj. 

1. Pathology pertaining to or of the nature of a spasm;
   characterized by spasms.
2. resembling a spasm or spasms;
   sudden but brief;
   sporadic:
   spasmodic efforts at reform.
3. given to or characterized by bursts of excitement.

Also, spas•mod′i•cal. 

• Greek spasmó̄d(ēs) spasmodic (derivative of spasmós spasm; see -ode¹) + Latin -icus -ic
• Medieval Latin spasmodicus
• 1675–85

spas•mod′i•cal•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 2. occasional, intermittent, periodic, fleeting.