re·cess
(r
s
s
, r
-s
s
)
KEY
NOUN:
-
- A temporary cessation of the customary activities of an engagement, occupation, or pursuit.
- The period of such cessation. See Synonyms at pause.
- A remote, secret, or secluded place. Often used in the plural.
-
- An indentation or small hollow.
- An alcove.
VERB:
re·cessed
,
re·cess·ing
,
re·cess·es
VERB:
tr.
- To place in a recess.
- To create or fashion a recess in:
recessed a portion of the wall.
- To suspend for a recess:
The committee chair recessed the hearings.
VERB:
intr.
- To take a recess:
The investigators recessed for lunch.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin
recessus,
retreat, from past participle of
recdere,
to recede ; see
recede
1
