HICCOUGH

hiccup, hiccough, singultus

(noun) (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?”

hiccup, hiccough

(verb) breathe spasmodically, and make a sound; “When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Usage notes

Hiccough is a later spelling, and an example of folk etymology.

Noun

hiccough (plural hiccoughs)

Alternative spelling of hiccup

Verb

hiccough (third-person singular simple present hiccoughs, present participle hiccoughing, simple past and past participle hiccoughed)

(dated) Alternative spelling of hiccup

Source: Wiktionary

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Hic"cough, n. Etym: [OE. hickup, hicket, hickock; prob. of imitative origin; cf. D. & Dan. hik, Sw. hicka, Armor. hak, hik, W. ig, F. hoquet.] (Physiol.)

Definition: 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.]

Hic"cough, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Hiccoughed; p. pr. & vb. n. Hiccoughing.]

Definition: To have a hiccough or hiccoughs.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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