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Hiccough: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ
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hiccough

 

[ หˆhษชkสŒp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Hiccough, also spelled hiccup, refers to the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle that is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing a distinctive sound. This phenomenon occurs when the diaphragm spasms, causing a sudden intake of breath that is interrupted by the quick closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the 'hic' sound. Hiccoughs can occur in bouts and may also be triggered by eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, or experiencing emotional stress.

Synonyms

hiccup, retch, spasm

Examples of usage

  • I got a hiccough while eating my lunch.
  • She tried to suppress her hiccoughs during the meeting.
  • Drinking water helped me get rid of my hiccough.
  • He had the hiccough for an hour after the soda.
  • My little brother gets hiccoughs whenever he laughs too hard.

Translations

Translations of the word "hiccough" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น soluรงo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคฟเคšเค•เฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schluckauf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cegukan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะบะพั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ czkawka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ—ใ‚ƒใฃใใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hoquet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hipo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hฤฑรงkฤฑrฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋”ธ๊พน์งˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฒู‚ุฒูˆู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกkytavka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกkytavka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰“ๅ—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zvijanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kvef

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆั‹า›ั‹ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒฎแƒแƒžแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hฤฑรงqฤฑrฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hipo

Etymology

The word 'hiccough' is derived from the late Middle English term 'hiccup,' which is imitative of the sound made during the act of hiccuping. The etymology can be traced back to the earlier forms of the word, which varied in spelling, including 'hiccough' and 'hiccup.' The term has roots in the Old English word 'hฤซc,' referencing a sudden intake of breath or gasp. Linguistically, it reflects the phonetic representation of the sound produced during this involuntary action. Historically, hiccups have been documented since ancient times, with various explanations proposed by different cultures. Ancient physicians believed that hiccups were associated with an imbalance of the body's humors, while others viewed them as a sign of emotional distress or a digestive ailment. Today, hiccoughs are commonly understood as a reflex action, often fleeting and usually benign, although persistent or severe cases can warrant medical attention.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,188, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.