adj
spastic
SPASTIHK
Spastic (adj) means relating to muscle spasms or a condition causing stiff, jerky movement. Example: “Spastic paralysis makes some muscles stay rigidly contracted.”
adj
1
Relating to muscle spasms or a condition causing stiff, jerky movement.
"Spastic paralysis makes some muscles stay rigidly contracted."
noun
1
A person affected by a condition causing spastic paralysis, such as cerebral palsy.
"The term was once used clinically but is now considered offensive."
How to use spastic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes muscles that contract stiffly and involuntarily, as seen in some forms of cerebral palsy.
When to use it
Outside strict medical use, this word (and its slang meaning "clumsy" or "erratic") is widely considered offensive and best avoided; use "person with cerebral palsy" or similar in ordinary writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- spastics
- Comparative
- more spastic
- Superlative
- most spastic
Etymology
From Greek spastikos, "drawing in" or "pulling tight," the same root that gives us spasm.
Synonyms
View more →
convulsive
spasmodic
Related words
Rhymes for spastic
See all rhymes for spastic →Frequently asked questions
What does “spastic” mean?
The word “spastic” means relating to muscle spasms or a condition causing stiff, jerky movement. In plain terms, describes muscles that contract stiffly and involuntarily, as seen in some forms of cerebral palsy.
How do you pronounce “spastic”?
“Spastic” is pronounced SPASTIHK (/ˈspæstɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “spastic” in a sentence?
Here is “spastic” used in a sentence: “Spastic paralysis makes some muscles stay rigidly contracted.”
What part of speech is “spastic”?
Depending on how it is used, “spastic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “spastic” come from?
The word “spastic” comes from Greek. From Greek spastikos, "drawing in" or "pulling tight," the same root that gives us spasm.
How many meanings does “spastic” have?
“Spastic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to muscle spasms or a condition causing stiff, jerky movement.
