lacunae

A student notices several lacunae in the old manuscript.

Definition

1. Noun (plural: lacunae or lacunas):
   • A gap or missing part: "lacunae" refers to an empty space or a missing portion, especially in a text, manuscript, or record.
   • A cavity or depression: In anatomy or biology, "lacunae" are small cavities or spaces within tissues, such as in bone or cartilage.

Usage Examples

• (Missing sections in the text.)
• (Gaps in documentation.)
• (Biological cavities.)

Advanced Usage

• "to fill a lacuna": to supply a missing part or complete a gap.
  • The archaeologist worked to fill the lacunae in the historical timeline. (To complete missing information.)
• "lacunae in knowledge": gaps in understanding or data.
  • The research aims to address lacunae in our knowledge of early human migration. (Missing information.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lacunar (adj): relating to or having lacunae.
  • The lacunar spaces in the fossil were well-preserved. (Pertaining to gaps or cavities.)
• Lacunate (adj): characterized by having lacunae.
  • The lacunate structure of the bone allows for nutrient exchange. (Having small cavities.)

Synonyms

• Gap: an empty space or interval.
• Hiatus: a pause or gap in a sequence or series.
• Void: an empty space.
• Omission: something that has been left out or excluded.

Related Idioms

• "lacunae in the record": missing parts of a historical or written account.
  • The lacunae in the record leave us guessing about the events of that year. (Gaps in documentation.)

Phrasal Verbs