- hiccup, hiccough
- A diaphragmatic spasm causing a sudden inhalation that is interrupted by a spasmodic closure of the glottis, producing a noise. SYN: singultus.
Medical dictionary. 2011.
hiccup, hiccough
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hiccup, hiccough — These words referring to a spasm of the diaphragm are pronounced alike: HICK up. ( HICK off is a regional, unrecommended pronunciation.) Both spellings are standard, although some writers apparently consider hiccough more genteel than hiccup … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
hiccup (hiccough) — 1 noun (C) 1 (usually plural) a sudden, quick, movement of your diaphragm (1) that happens repeatedly and uncontrollably for a short time: get/have hiccups: Don t drink so fast you ll get hiccups. 2 a small problem or delay: Fortunately, the… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
hiccup, hiccough — The first is now generally the preferred spelling … Dictionary of troublesome word
hiccup, hiccough — The first is now generally the preferred spelling … Dictionary of troublesome word
hiccough — See hiccup, hiccough … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
hiccup — See hiccup, hiccough … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
hiccup — (also hiccough (pronounced same)) ► NOUN 1) an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and respiratory organs, with a sudden closure of the glottis and a characteristic gulping sound. 2) a minor difficulty or setback. ► VERB (hiccuped, hiccuping) ▪… … English terms dictionary
hiccough — 1620s, variant of HICCUP (Cf. hiccup) (q.v.) by mistaken association with cough … Etymology dictionary
Hiccough — Hic cough (?; 277), n. [OE. hickup, hicket, hickock; prob. of imitative origin; cf. D. & Dan. hik, Sw. hicka, Armor. hak, hik, W. ig, F. hoquet.] (Physiol.) A modified respiratory movement; a spasmodic inspiration, consisting of a sudden… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
hiccup — [hik′up΄, hik′əp] n. [altered < Early ModE hikop, hickock, hicket, of echoic orig. (as also in MDu huckup): var. sp. from assoc. with COUGH] 1. a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm when it begins to allow air into the lungs only… … English World dictionary
