episodic
/ˌɛpɪˈsɒdɪk
/adjective
1Containing or consisting of a series of separate parts or events: an episodic narrative...
- Unfortunately, the film really doesn't have a narrative, just an episodic series of events.
- It all works in outline, but the episodic unfolding of events lacks energy.
- Structurally, it works - the disjointed narrative gives it an episodic feel, but you're never left hanging, wanting to know what happens next.
Synonyms
in episodes, in instalments, in sections, in parts
1.1Occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals: volcanic activity is highly episodic in nature...
- The scattered and episodic nature of today's threats, however, requires much more precise and constant monitoring.
- In short, they all had episodic cough, wheezing, dyspnea, and normal chest roentgenography results.
- This result probably reflects the short duration and self-limiting nature of the episodic tension-type headache. [Evidence level A, RCT]
Synonyms
intermittent, irregular, sporadic, periodic, fitful, spasmodic, occasional;
uneven, scattered, patchy, on and off, on again and off again, in fits and starts
2(Of a programme or story) broadcast or published as a series of instalments: episodic television is a difficult medium to write for...
- One reason it's too early to make a real assessment is because it's clear the writers have just given up making episodic television.
- The most difficult part of episodic television, I would think, is generating reasonable motivations/keeping track of all these characters.
- He moved into directing episodic television, winning a DGA nomination for his work on the Emmy-winning drama ER.
Derivatives
episodical
episodically
- Migraine occurs episodically, often without warning and can last anything from four hours to three days with symptoms varying from relatively mild discomfort to a totally disabling condition.
- The meal unfolds episodically and informally, with new dishes being ordered whenever anyone feels like them; then pooled, passed around, and left on the table for whoever wants them next.
- The daily press, by the very nature of the medium, has a hard time following these stories in any way but episodically.