lag
lag Lexical Profile
lag Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A period of time between one event or phenomenon and another; a delay or interval.
"There was a noticeable lag between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder."
In computing and telecommunications, a noticeable delay between the action of the user and the reaction of the server or program.
"High network lag made the online video game nearly impossible to play."
A strip of wood or other material used for insulating a boiler, pipe, or cylinder, or forming the stave of a cask.
"The technician secured the wooden lags around the steam cylinder to prevent heat loss."
British A person who has been convicted and sent to prison, especially one who has served many sentences.
"The novel tells the story of an old lag trying to adjust to life outside prison."
• verb
To fail to keep up with another or others in movement, development, or progress; to fall behind.
"The tired hikers began to lag behind the rest of the group as the trail grew steeper."
To slacken, weaken, or diminish in intensity, interest, or speed.
"Conversation around the dinner table began to lag as the evening wore on."
To enclose or cover (a boiler, pipe, or tank) with material that provides thermal insulation.
"The homeowner decided to lag the hot water pipes in the attic before winter arrived."
• Rhymes for lag
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 16th century as a noun meaning the last person or thing, probably of Scandinavian origin and akin to Norwegian dialectal 'lagga', meaning to go slowly.