a. [ Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; a convulsion + &unr_; 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 ]