Singultus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฎโ๐จ
singultus
[sษชลหษกสl.tษs ]
Definition
medical term
Singultus refers to an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, leading to a sudden intake of breath that is immediately stopped by the closure of the vocal cords, producing a distinctive sound commonly known as a hiccup. It can occur from a variety of causes, including overeating, drinking carbonated beverages, or sudden excitement.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I got the hiccups after that big meal.
- He was startled by a loud noise and got a fit of singultus.
- Drinking water quickly can sometimes help with singultus.
Translations
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Origin of 'singultus'
The term 'singultus' comes from the Latin 'singultus', meaning 'a sob' or 'a gasp'. This Latin word is rooted in the verb 'singultire', which means 'to gasp' or 'to sob'. Historically, the term has been used in medical terminology since the early 19th century, highlighting a specific physiological condition. The phenomenon itself has been recognized and described since ancient times, with various cultures attributing different meanings and remedies to hiccups. While it's often seen as a minor inconvenience, medical literature has explored more serious underlying conditions associated with persistent singultus. The understanding of this reflex action has evolved over time, leading to a broad scope of research into its causes and prevention.