spasmodic
Cross references: 1. fitful spas.mod.ic \spaz-'ma:d-ik\ \-i-k*l\ \-k(*-)le-\ aj [NL spasmodicus, fr. Gk spasmo-de-s, fr. spasmos] 1a: relating to or affected or characterized by spasm 1b: resembling a spasm esp. in sudden violence {a ~ jerk} 2: acting or proceeding fitfully : INTERMITTENT 3: subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : EXCITABLE - spas.mod.i.cal aj