spasmodic
/spæzˈmɔdɪk; spæz`mɑdɪk/ adj
1 occurring or done at irregular intervals (usu for short periods at a time); not continuous or regular 一阵阵的; 时断时续的
spasmodic efforts to clean the house 对房子时干时停的打扫
spasmodic periods of happiness followed by misery 时而快乐, 时而痛苦.
2 caused by or affected by spasms 痉挛的; 痉挛性的
spasmodic asthma 支气管气喘.