hiccup
hiccup Lexical Profile
hiccup Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and respiratory organs, accompanied by a sudden closure of the glottis and a characteristic gulping sound.
"Drinking a glass of cold water slowly is a common home remedy for stopping the hiccups."
A minor, temporary difficulty, setback, or interruption in a process or plan.
"Apart from a brief technical hiccup with the projector, the conference presentation went smoothly."
• verb
To make the characteristic gulping sound of a hiccup due to an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm.
"The baby hiccupped softly after finishing his bottle of milk."
To experience a minor, temporary interruption, falter, or malfunction.
"The streaming video hiccupped for a second before the wireless connection stabilized."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although "hiccough" exists as an older variant spelling created by folk association with "cough," "hiccup" is the standard spelling in modern English and always reflects the word's pronunciation.
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the late 16th century as "hickop," the word is imitative of the sudden, sharp sound produced by the involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and vocal cords.