gap
UK[ɡæp]US[ɡæp]
n
An empty space or opening in the middle of something or between two things.
n
A period of time when something stops, or between two events.
n
A difference, especially an undesirable one, between two ideas, situations, or amounts.
Etymology
The word 'gap' entered English from Old Norse 'gap', meaning 'chasm' or 'empty space'. The Old Norse term is thought to be onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of an inarticulate open mouth, which conceptually relates to an open space. This vivid, sensory origin evolved into the modern abstract meanings denoting any kind of break, interruption, or disparity, whether physical, temporal, or figurative.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Old Norse origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes within modern English spelling.
Examples
The sheep escaped through a gap in the fence.
After a gap of several years, she decided to return to university.
There is a significant gap between government policy and public opinion.