spasmolytic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /spæzˈmɒlɪtɪk/
KK: /spæzˈmɑlɪtɪk/
adjective
Definition
Having the ability to relieve muscle spasms or convulsions.
Example
The doctor prescribed a spasmolytic medication to help ease the patient's muscle cramps.
Conversation
I heard that some medications can be spasmolytic and help with muscle cramps.
Really? I didn't know there were specific drugs for that.
Yeah, they can really ease the tension in your muscles.
That sounds useful, especially after a long workout.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
relaxant
calming
soothing
Antonyms
stimulating
agitating
exciting
noun
Definition
A substance that helps relieve muscle spasms or cramps.
Example
The doctor prescribed a spasmolytic to help with the patient's muscle pain.
Conversation
I heard that a spasmolytic can help with muscle cramps.
That sounds interesting! What exactly does it do?
It helps to relax the muscles and reduce spasms.
Root Explanation
Spasmolytic is formed from "spasmos" (from Greek, meaning spasm) and "lytic" (from Greek "lytikos", meaning able to loosen or dissolve). The word describes a substance that is able to relieve or loosen spasms.
Memory Tip
Think of 'spasm' as a tight muscle and 'lytic' as something that helps to loosen it — that's why spasmolytic refers to something that relieves muscle spasms.
Visually Confused Words
plasmolytic
spermolytic