hiatus
UK[haɪˈeɪtəs]US[haɪˈeɪtəs]
n
a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.
n
a break between two vowels coming together but not in the same syllable, as in the ear.
Etymology
the word 'hiatus' was adopted directly from latin in the mid-16th century, where it meant 'gaping, opening, rupture.' the latin term itself derives from the verb 'hiare,' meaning 'to gape or yawn.' this verb can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root ghieh₂-, which also meant 'to yawn, gape, or be wide open.' the semantic journey is vividly physical to abstract: from the literal act of opening one's mouth wide, to any physical opening or gap, and finally to its modern meanings denoting a figurative pause in continuity or a technical gap between vowel sounds.
Analysis
this word is a direct loan from latin and functions as a simplex unit in english. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable english morphemes.
Examples
after a brief hiatus, the popular television series returned for a new season.
there was a noticeable hiatus in his employment history between 2018 and 2020.
the linguist explained how to properly pronounce a hiatus in words like "cooperate."