Definition of hiatus

acrimonious Definition: (adjective) biting, harsh, caustic. Petersons.com

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< hiatal hernia

Hiawatha >

hi·a·tus    (h-ts) KEY  

NOUN:
pl. hi·a·tus·es or hiatus

1. A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break: "We are likely to be disconcerted by . . . hiatuses of thought" (Edmund Wilson).
2. Linguistics A slight pause that occurs when two immediately adjacent vowels in consecutive syllables are pronounced, as in reality and naive.
3. Anatomy A separation, aperture, fissure, or short passage in an organ or body part.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin hitus, from past participle of hire, to gape

OTHER FORMS:
hi·atal   (-tl) KEY  (Adjective)

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