colic

noun

col·​ic ˈkä-lik 

1

: an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ and often caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting

2

: a condition marked by recurrent episodes of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant that is of unknown cause and usually subsides after three to four months of age

Examples of colic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This plant, also known as rose bay, may also cause drooling, abdominal pain, depression, colic and even death, according to the ASPCA. —Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Parents of children with IBS, colic, or other GI disorders are often doing everything right and still watch their child struggle. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Mar. 2026

His digestive system was wrecked by recurring dysentery and colic, and the calomel prescribed by his doctors only made things worse. —Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026

Best homeopathic or organic baby gas relief product This natural remedy for babies, which can be used up to six times per day, is formulated to relieve colic, gas and reflux symptoms in a way that is fast, safe, gentle and great-tasting. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin colica (passio) intestinal (suffering), from Late Latin colicus of the colon, colicky, from Greek kōlikos, from kōlon, alteration of kolon colon

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing colic

• painter's colic

Rhymes for colic

• frolic
• moloch
• pollack
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic
• cytosolic
• diabolic
• diastolic
• ethanolic
• hyperbolic

Kids Definition

colic

noun

col·​ic

ˈkäl-ik

1

: sharp sudden pain in the abdomen

2

: a condition marked by periods of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant

colicky

-i-kē

adjective

Medical Definition

colic

1 of 3 noun

col·​ic ˈkäl-ik 

1

: an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ or part (as the small intestine, ureter, or bile duct) and often caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting

2

: a condition marked by recurrent episodes of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant that is of unknown cause and usually subsides after three to four months of age

colic

2 of 3 adjective

: of or relating to colic : colicky

colic crying

colic

3 of 3 adjective

co·​lic ˈkō-lik  ˈkäl-ik 

: of or relating to the colon

colic lymph nodes