hiccup
noun
- a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm when it begins to allow air into the lungs only to have the glottis suddenly close, producing an abrupt sound
- a condition characterized by repeated contractions of this kind
- Chiefly Brit., Informal a difficulty, problem, or setback, usually a minor one; hitch ()
intransitive verb hiccuped or hiccupped, hiccuping or hiccupping
to make a hiccup or hiccups
transitive verb
to utter with hiccups
See hiccup in American Heritage Dictionary 4
also hic·cough (hĭkˈəp)
nouna. A spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a rapid, involuntary inhalation that is stopped by the sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a sharp, distinctive sound.
b. hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
- The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it: “the urgent hiccup of a police siren” (John Updike).
intransitive verb hic·cupped also
hic·coughed,
hic·cup·ping also
hic·cough·ing,
hic·cups also
hic·coughs - To make a hiccup or a sound like a hiccup.
- To have an attack of hiccups.
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