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gaping

 - 4 dictionary results

gape

  [geyp, gap] verb, gaped, gap⋅ing, noun
Use gaping in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to stare with open mouth, as in wonder.
2. to open the mouth wide involuntarily, as the result of hunger, sleepiness, or absorbed attention.
3. to open as a gap; split or become open wide.
–noun
4. a wide opening; gap; breach.
5. an act or instance of gaping.
6. a stare, as in astonishment or with the mouth wide open.
7. a yawn.
8. Zoology. the width of the open mouth.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME < ON gapa to open the mouth wide; cf. G gaffen

Related forms:
gap⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. See gaze. 2, 3. yawn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To gaping
gape   (gāp, gāp)   
intr.v.   gaped, gap·ing, gapes

  1. To open the mouth wide; yawn.

  2. To stare wonderingly or stupidly, often with the mouth open. See Synonyms at gaze.

  3. To open wide: The curtains gaped when the wind blew.

n.  

  1. The act or an instance of gaping.

  2. A large opening.

  3. Zoology The width of the space between the open jaws or mandibles of a vertebrate.

  4. gapes (used with a sing. verb) A disease of birds, especially young domesticated chickens and turkeys, caused by gapeworms and resulting in obstructed breathing.

  5. gapes A fit of yawning.


[Middle English gapen, from Old Norse gapa.]
gap·ing   (gā'pĭng)   
adj.  Deep and wide open: a gaping wound; a gaping hole.
gap'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

gape 
c.1220, from O.N. gapa "to open the mouth, gape," common W.Gmc. (cf. M.Du. gapen, Ger. gaffen), of unknown origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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