colic /kol″ik/ [Gk, kolikos, colon pain] , 1. n., sharp visceral pain resulting from torsion, obstruction, or smooth muscle spasm of a hollow or tubular organ, such as a ureter or the intestines. Kinds include biliary colic, infantile colic, renal colic. 2. pertaining to the colon. 3. unexplained crying in a healthy baby between 2 weeks and 5 months of age. Affects 10% to 20% of all infants and is more common in boys. Possible causes are digestive tract immaturity, food intolerances, hunger or overfeeding, lack of sleep, loneliness, tension, or overheated milk or formula. −colicky, adj.
