Meaning of oscitancy in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈɒsɪt(ə)nsi/

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Noun

    oscitancy

    Etymology

    early 17th century. From oscitant: see -ancy. Compare post-classical Latin oscitantia

    Definitions

    1. drowsiness and dullness manifested by yawning
  2. 2. an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth

    Examples

    • « usually triggered by fatigue or boredom »
    • « he could not suppress a yawn »
    • « the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop »
    • « he apologized for his ostinancy »

    Derived terms

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