SPASMODICALLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does spasmodically mean? 

• SPASMODICALLY (adverb)
  The adverb SPASMODICALLY has 2 senses:

1. with spasms

2. in spurts and fits

  Familiarity information: SPASMODICALLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SPASMODICALLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With spasms

Synonyms:

jerkily; spasmodically

Context example:

the mouth was slightly open, and jerked violently and spasmodically at one corner

Pertainym:

spasmodic (affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions; resembling a spasm)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In spurts and fits

Context example:

I began to write intermittently and spasmodically

Pertainym:

spasmodic (occurring in spells and often abruptly)

 Context examples 

We went up to him, but he seemed unconscious, breathing spasmodically.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Now and again he resisted spasmodically and to no purpose.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

His wilful hands and feet began to beat and churn about, spasmodically and feebly.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

The muscles of his whole body contracted spasmodically and instinctively, the hair on his neck and shoulders stood on end, and with a ferocious snarl he bounded straight up into the blinding day, the snow flying about him in a flashing cloud.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

His throat worked spasmodically, but made no sound, while he struggled with all his body, convulsed with the effort to rid himself of the incommunicable something that strained for utterance.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

He spasmodically ripped and tore with his fangs for a space.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Then it was that his lips half writhed into a snarl, and the hair of his neck and shoulders involuntarily bristled, while he half crouched for a spring, his claws spasmodically clutching into the snow-surface for firmer footing.

(White Fang, by Jack London)