I. noun
also hic·cough ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp
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 sing. or plural in constr.
3.
a. : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction
a few hiccup s in the computer system
b. : a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change
a hiccup in the stock market
II. intransitive verb
also hiccough
( hic·cuped also hic·cupped ; hic·cup·ing also hic·cup·ping )
Date: circa 1580
: to make a hiccup ; also : to be affected with hiccups