Hiccough

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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 contraction of the diaphragm,
     accompanied with closure of the glottis, so that further


     entrance of air is prevented, while the impulse of the column
     of air entering and striking upon the closed glottis produces
     a sound, or hiccough. [Written also {hickup} or hiccup.]
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Hiccough \Hic"cough\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Hiccoughed}; p. pr. &
     vb. n. {Hiccoughing}.]
     To have a hiccough or hiccoughs.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  hiccough
       n : (usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the
           diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis
           producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of
           indigestion; "how do you cure the hiccups?" [syn: {hiccup},
            {singultus}]
       v : breathe spasmodically, and make a sound; "When you have to
           hiccup, drink a glass of cold water" [syn: {hiccup}]