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Lacunae Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lacunae

[ləˈkuːni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal context

Lacunae refer to gaps or missing parts in a body of work or legal text, often indicating areas that need clarification or further detail. In legal terms, a lacuna can signify an absence of law or a void in regulations that might affect legal proceedings.

Synonyms

deficiency, gap, void.

Examples of usage

  • The court found several lacunae in the contract that needed to be addressed.
  • The legal scholar analyzed the lacunae in the existing statutes on privacy.
  • Lawyers often encounter lacunae in old legislation.
Context #2 | Noun

general context

In general usage, lacunae can refer to any gaps or missing elements in a text, conversation, or thought process. They signify areas where information is lacking, which may lead to misunderstanding or misinformation.

Synonyms

absence, lack, omission.

Examples of usage

  • The report had several lacunae that complicated the findings.
  • Her argument had lacunae that the opposition quickly pointed out.
  • The team's presentation was criticized for its lacunae.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, lacunae often refer to missing parts in manuscripts that can lead to different interpretations of a story.
  • Prominent authors, such as James Joyce, have utilized lacunae to create intricate narratives with intentional gaps.
  • Scholars often seek to fill these gaps with context or analysis, highlighting the role of interpretation in understanding texts.

Psychology

  • In psychology, lacunae can refer to missing memories or gaps in an individual's recollection, which can indicate anxiety or trauma.
  • An understanding of emotional lacunae can help therapists address unresolved issues in patients.
  • Cognitive psychology studies how people perceive and compensate for these gaps in their understanding of experiences.

Art

  • Artists often exploit lacunae in their works to provoke thought and engage viewers, inviting them to fill in the gaps with their interpretations.
  • In visual art, a lacuna can create a sense of mystery or beckon the viewer to reflect on what is absent.
  • The concept of absence in art has been pivotal in movements like Minimalism, where the lack of ornamentation creates a focus on form.

Science

  • In biology, lacunae refer to small cavities within tissues that can serve various functions, like housing cells.
  • The study of lacunae in bones helps researchers understand the health and age of skeletal remains.
  • In geology, lacunae are often found in sedimentary rock formations, indicating periods of erosion or lack of deposition.

Origin of 'lacunae'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'lacuna,' meaning 'a gap' or 'a puddle of water.'
  • Used in English since the late 17th century to describe gaps in texts.
  • The plural form 'lacunae' retains the Latin ending, reflecting its scholarly roots.

The term 'lacuna' comes from the Latin word 'lacuna', meaning 'a pit' or 'a gap'. It was used in various contexts to describe physical voids as well as abstract omissions. In scholarly writing, the use of 'lacunae' (the plural form) has evolved to represent gaps in texts, manuscripts, or laws that require further exploration or clarification. Over time, the term has found its way into various disciplines, including literature, law, and philosophy, to denote areas that are incomplete or lacking important information, thus emphasizing the importance of fully understanding the context in which something is presented.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,466, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.