hiatus
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hi·a·tus

noun \hī-ˈā-təs\

Definition of HIATUS

1
a : a break in or as if in a material object : gap <the hiatus between the theory and the practice of the party — J. G. Colton>
b : a gap or passage in an anatomical part or organ
2
a : an interruption in time or continuity : break; especially : a period when something (as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted <after a 5-year hiatus from writing>
b : the occurrence of two vowel sounds without pause or intervening consonantal sound

Examples of HIATUS

  1. The band is making an album again after a five-year hiatus.
  2. <steam was rising from an hiatus in the ground>

Origin of HIATUS

Latin, from hiare to yawn — more at yawn
First Known Use: 1563

Rhymes with HIATUS

hi·a·tus

noun \hī-ˈāt-əs\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HIATUS

: a gap or passage through an anatomical part or organ; especially : a gap through which another part or organ passes

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