I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: stop (I) + gap; after the phrase stop a gap
: serving to fill a gap : temporary
only offered as a convenient stopgap way of thinking of the phenomena — A.G.N.Flew
a stopgap measure
a stopgap program
II. noun
Etymology: stop (I) + gap; after the phrase stop a gap
1. : something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift
the export of goods and lending of money alone are only emergency stopgaps — R.P.Russell
2. : one who occupies an office or position temporarily : substitute
had simply been acting as a stopgap for his brother-in-law — Contemporary Review
Synonyms: see resource