Hiccup
WordNet
noun
(1) (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?"
verb
(2) Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound
"When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Alteration of earlier hickock from hic (onamotopoetic) + -ock (diminuitive suffix). Akin to Low Ger hick "hiccup", Danish hikke "hiccup"
Noun
- A spasm of the diaphragm, or the resulting sound.
- There was a loud hiccup from the back of the room and the class erupted in laughter.
- A minor setback.
- There's been a slight hiccup in the processing of this quarter's results