Definition of INTERMITTENT (original) (raw)
1
: coming and going at intervals : not continuous
2
of a stream or body of water : appearing and disappearing seasonally : sometimes dry
Synonyms
Examples of intermittent in a Sentence
In the intermittent light he could make out the shape of a solitary oak tree, spreading great arms from its short tremendous trunk. —
Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising, (1973) 1999 Decades of intermittent but recurring controversies with imperial authorities, and the lodestar of the glorious Revolution, disposed Americans to continue to believe that representation existed, first and foremost, to protect the rights of their communities against the abuse of executive power. —Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings, 1996 Bronchodilators continue to play an important role in asthma treatment, especially for people who have relatively mild or intermittent attacks. —Stephen Hoffmann, Harvard Medical School Health Letter, June 1991
The patient was having intermittent pains in his side. The forecast is for intermittent rain.
Recent Examples on the Web Evidence for sugar addiction: Behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent, excessive sugar intake Endocrinologist with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024 The release adds that the remaining work will lead to intermittent, single-lane closures and is scheduled for completion in June 2025. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 18 Sep. 2024 The intermittent nature of renewable energy, such as solar, wind and the geographic constraints of hydro and geothermal power, poses a significant challenge in meeting the constant and growing energy demands of data centers. —Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 Wright was shown videos from the night of Nichols stop with intermittent pauses, asking if the techniques being used by officers were in line with MPD policy, according to WATN. —Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intermittent 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intermittent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin intermittent-, intermittens, present participle of intermittere — see intermit
First Known Use
1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of intermittent was in 1601
Dictionary Entries Near intermittent
Cite this Entry
“Intermittent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermittent. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 29 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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