What does colic mean Meaning and Definition
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