The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SPASMODIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
P
A
S
M
O
D
I
C
More clues leading to the result SPASMODIC
- Detectives order fools to turn up in bursts
- In bursts resort’s doctor, detectives following up
- At Pam’s disco dancing is intermittent
- Jerky old man aboard ship, up-to- date one, 100
- Detectives order foolish individuals around? That’s irregular
- Erratic cop tormented with sadism
- Resort’s second gamble not entirely irregular
- Faulty compass I’d disconnected
- Occasional small photo included when stylish
- Erratic cop gets involved with sadism
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "In bursts" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in bursts = spasmodic.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SPASMODIC mean?
SPASMODIC noun- A medicine for suppressing spasms.
- Of or relating to a spasm; resembling a sudden contraction of the muscles.
- Convulsive; consisting of spasms.
- Intermittent or fitful; occurring in abrupt bursts.
- Erratic or unsustained.
- Of or relating to the spasmodic poets, a group of British Victorian poets who wrote introspective drama in verse.