Noun: hiccough 'hik,úp
- (usually plural) reflex spasms of the diaphragm with rapid glottal closure, producing an audible sound; hiccups
"how do you cure the hiccoughs?";
- hiccup, singultus
- Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound
"When you have to hiccough, drink a glass of cold water";
- hiccup
Derived forms: hiccoughed, hiccoughing, hiccoughs
Type of: breathe, inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, respire, suspire [literary], symptom, take a breath, unconditioned reflex
Encyclopedia: Hiccough