singultus
Singultus (noun): A medical term for the condition characterized by involuntary, repeated spasms of the diaphragm muscle, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords (glottis), which produces the distinctive "hic" sound. It is often a benign, temporary condition but can sometimes be a symptom of other issues.
"Singultus" is a formal, clinical term used primarily in medical contexts. In everyday conversation, the common word "hiccups" is used instead.
- The patient presented with persistent singultus lasting over 48 hours.
- Singultus can sometimes be a side effect of that medication.
- The doctor explained that chronic singultus required further investigation.
- Intractable or persistent singultus: Refers to hiccups that last for an unusually long time (more than 48 hours) and may indicate an underlying medical problem.
- The case study focused on treating intractable singultus with a novel nerve block.
- Hiccup (noun/verb): The common, non-medical term for singultus.
- I got the hiccups from drinking soda too fast.
- Hiccough: An older, alternative spelling for "hiccup."
- Hiccups
- Hiccough (archaic)
The provided reference context uses the phrasing "(usually plural) the state of having..." and the example "how do you cure the hiccups?" This highlights that while the medical term is the singular noun "singultus," the condition it describes is almost always referred to in its plural form ("the hiccups") in everyday English. The condition itself involves a series of repeated spasms.
- (usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion
- how do you cure the hiccups?