WordWeb Online

1. (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 hiccoughs?";
   - hiccup, singultus

1. Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound
   "When you have to hiccough, drink a glass of cold water";
   - hiccup

Derived forms: hiccoughed, hiccoughing, hiccoughs

Type of: breathe, inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, respire, suspire [literary], symptom, take a breath, unconditioned reflex

Encyclopedia: Hiccough