Skip to main content
singultus

singultus

9.9
A sudden quick movement of the muscle under the lungs that makes a hiccup sound
  • noun
  • /sɪŋˈɡʌltəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : singultus
  • Persistent singultus may require medical evaluation if it lasts more than 48 hours.

Examples

  • The patient complained of frequent episodes of singultus after surgery.

  • The doctor explained that singultus can be caused by eating too quickly.

  • Certain medications may induce singultus as a side effect.

  • She had a bout of singultus during dinner.

  • The doctor explained that singultus can be caused by eating too quickly.

  • Certain medications may induce singultus as a side effect.

  • Persistent singultus may require medical evaluation if it lasts more than 48 hours.

Synonyms

hiccup
vssingultus
68 3.3

A sudden small sound and movement in your chest that happens without meaning to

is the medical name for the same reflex

How Severe

singultus
  • Specialized
9.9
hiccup
68 3.3

Surface Forms

singultus singular
singultuses plural

Etymology

Singultus comes from Latin and originally meant a 'sob' or sudden 'gulp', a small catch of the breath. That's why in medicine singultus refers to the hiccup reflex — a quick, involuntary spasm that makes the familiar hiccup sound.