Definition of impediment

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< impede

impedimenta >

im·ped·i·ment    (m-pd-mnt) KEY  

NOUN:

1. Something that impedes; a hindrance or obstruction. See Synonyms at obstacle.
2. An organic defect preventing clear articulation: a speech impediment.
3. Law Something that obstructs the making of a legal contract.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin impedmentum, from impedre, to impede ; see impede

OTHER FORMS:
im·pedi·mental   (-mntl) KEY   or im·pedi·menta·ry   (-mnt-r) KEY  (Adjective)

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