colic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Medical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “colic” mean?
Severe, fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by the spasm of smooth muscle, most commonly referring to an acute, painful condition in infants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Severe, fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by the spasm of smooth muscle, most commonly referring to an acute, painful condition in infants.
By extension, any sharp, recurrent pain from spasm in a tubular organ (e.g., renal colic, biliary colic). Figuratively, used to describe a state of acute distress or agitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Pronunciations differ slightly.
Connotations
In both varieties, primarily associated with infant distress. The figurative use ('in a colic over something') is rare and literary.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in general conversation, common in paediatric and medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “colic” in a Sentence
[baby/patient] has colic[person] suffers from coliccolic caused by [factor]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The colicky baby kept the new parents awake all night.
- She described a colicky sensation in her side.
American English
- The pediatrician diagnosed a colicky infant.
- He felt a sharp, colicky pain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, paediatric, and veterinary literature.
Everyday
Used almost exclusively by parents/caregivers discussing infant health.
Technical
A precise medical term for pain resulting from smooth muscle spasm in hollow organs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colic”
- Using 'a colic' (incorrect). Saying 'he has colics' (incorrect plural). Confusing it with general indigestion or gas.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while 'infant colic' is the most common usage, adults can experience colic (e.g., renal colic, biliary colic) referring to pain from spasms in other organs.
No, 'colic' is typically a non-count noun. You say 'the baby has colic' or 'a case of colic', not 'a colic'.
The exact cause is unknown. It is likely multifactorial, involving immature digestion, gut microbiota, temperament, and possibly feeding techniques.
Infant colic itself is not a disease and is considered a benign, self-limiting behavioural syndrome. Other forms of colic (renal, biliary) are symptoms of underlying conditions that may require medical attention.
Severe, fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by the spasm of smooth muscle, most commonly referring to an acute, painful condition in infants.
Colic is usually medical/formal in register.
Colic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːlɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In a colic (figurative, rare): in a state of agitated distress.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a crying baby with a COLIC: COntorted, LInking his Cries to stomach cramps.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN IS A KNOT / PAIN IS A SPASM (e.g., 'the pain grips the abdomen').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'colic' MOST appropriately used?