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gape
Gape is defined as to open the mouth widely, such as to yawn or in surprise.
(verb)An example of to gape is to gasp at a horrible sight.
The definition of a gape is a wide opening.
(noun)An example of a gape is a large hole in the fence.
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See gape in Webster's New World College Dictionary
intransitive verb gaped, gaping
- to open the mouth wide, as in yawning or hunger
- to stare with the mouth open, as in wonder or surprise
- to open or be opened wide, as a chasm
Origin: ME gapen < ON gapa < IE *ghēp- < IE *ghēp- < base *ghe-, to yawn, gape > gab, Gr chasma, abyss, L hiatus
noun
- the act of gaping; specif.,
- an open-mouthed stare
- a yawn
- a wide gap or opening
- Zool. the measure of the widest possible opening of a mouth or beak
See gape in American Heritage Dictionary 4
intransitive verb gaped gaped, gap·ing, gapes
- To open the mouth wide; yawn.
- To stare wonderingly or stupidly, often with the mouth open. See Synonyms at gaze.
- To open wide: The curtains gaped when the wind blew.
- The act or an instance of gaping.
- A large opening.
- Zoology The width of the space between the open jaws or mandibles of a vertebrate.
- gapes (used with a sing. verb) A disease of birds, especially young domesticated chickens and turkeys, caused by gapeworms and resulting in obstructed breathing.
- gapes A fit of yawning.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English gapen
Origin: , from Old Norse gapa
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