spasmolytic
|spasm-o-ly-tic|
/ˌspæzməˈlɪtɪk/
relieves or prevents spasm
Etymology
'spasmolytic' originates from New Latin/Greek, specifically from Greek 'spasmos' where 'spasmos' meant 'a drawing, convulsion', combined with Greek 'lytikos' (via Modern Latin 'lyticus') meaning 'able to loosen or dissolve'.
'spasmolytic' was formed in medical/modern English from New Latin 'spasmolyticus' built from Greek elements 'spasmos' + 'lytikos' and eventually entered English as 'spasmolytic'.
Initially formed to mean 'something that loosens or relieves a spasm', and this specialized medical meaning has been retained into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a drug or agent that relieves or prevents muscle spasms; an antispasmodic.
The physician prescribed a spasmolytic for the patient's abdominal cramps.
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Adjective 1
having the effect of relieving or preventing muscle spasms; antispasmodic.
The drug produced spasmolytic effects within an hour of administration.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 12:48