(ˈ)spaz|mädik, -dēk adjective
or spas·mod·i·cal -də̇kəl, -dēk-
Etymology: New Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmōdēs spasmodic (from spasmos spasm) + Latin -icus -ic, -ical
1.
a. : of, relating to, affected or characterized by a spasm
b. : resembling a spasm in being sudden and violent
his body gave a spasmodic jerk forward — Anthony Trollope
clutched at the doctor's hand with a spasmodic movement of despair — W.H.Wright
2. : acting or proceeding fitfully or intermittently : lacking continuity of effort, production, or activity : intermittent
a continuous discussion of international affairs, not a spasmodic action at times of crisis — Clement Attlee
growth of the towns was spasmodic — American Guide Series: Massachusetts
streamlining … may prove chronic or spasmodic — C.C.Furnas
3. : subject to outbursts of emotional excitement
• spas·mod·i·cal·ly -də̇k(ə)lē, -dēk-, -li adverb