Main Entry: ¹hic·cup

Variant(s): also hic·cough \ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp\

Function: noun

Etymology: imitative

Date: circa 1580

1 : a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound
2 : an attack of hiccuping —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
3 a : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction <a few hiccups in the computer system> b : a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change <a hiccup in the stock market>