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singultus (sing-GUHL-tuhs) - n., (med.) a hiccup.
That is, the technical jargon for a reflex spasm of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound. Note the stress is on the second syllable. Borrowed from medical Latin around 1750 -- originally meaning a sob, but by extension a gurgle or rattle and thence hiccup.
---L.
That is, the technical jargon for a reflex spasm of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound. Note the stress is on the second syllable. Borrowed from medical Latin around 1750 -- originally meaning a sob, but by extension a gurgle or rattle and thence hiccup.
---L.
