What does colic mean Meaning and Definition

What does colic mean

What does colic mean

Pronunciation

/kəˈlɪk/

Part of Speech

Noun or Verb

Definition

a repeated series of unexplained, severe episodes of crying, screaming, or severe discomfort that typically occur in infants, especially during the first few months of life

Etymology

The word “colic” comes from the Greek word “kolikos”, meaning “suffering from colic”. Colic has been used to describe various types of abdominal pain and discomfort since ancient times.

Usage Notes

Colic can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the episodes of crying or discomfort, while as a verb, it means to experience such episodes.

Cultural References

Colic has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel and film “The Sound of Music”, the character Liesl von Trapp experiences colic as an infant.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Colic” can be used idiomatically in phrases such as “colic fits” or “colic spells” to describe the recurring episodes of crying or discomfort.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Fussiness
  • Irritability
  • Discomfort

Collocations

  • infant colic
  • severe colic
  • colic in babies

Frequency of Use

Colic is a relatively uncommon term in modern language, but it is still used by medical professionals and caregivers to describe the symptoms of infants.

Common Misspellings

  • Colics
  • Colik

Related Words