(also hiccough (pronunciation same))
■ noun
1》 an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and respiratory organs, with a sudden closure of the glottis and a characteristic gulping sound.
2》 a minor difficulty or setback.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed ) make the sound of a ~ or series of ~s.
Derivatives
~y adjective
Origin
C16: imitative; the form hiccough arose by assoc. with cough .