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interregna

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅ter⋅reg⋅num

  [in-ter-reg-nuhm]
Use interregna in a Sentence
–noun, plural -nums, -na  [-nuh] .
1. an interval of time between the close of a sovereign's reign and the accession of his or her normal or legitimate successor.
2. any period during which a state has no ruler or only a temporary executive.
3. any period of freedom from the usual authority.
4. any pause or interruption in continuity.
Origin:
1570–80; < L, equiv. to inter- inter- + rēgnum reign

Related forms:
in⋅ter⋅reg⋅nal, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To interregna
in·ter·reg·num   (ĭn'tər-rěg'nəm)   
n.   pl. in·ter·reg·nums or in·ter·reg·na (-nə)

  1. The interval of time between the end of a sovereign's reign and the accession of a successor.

  2. A period of temporary suspension of the usual functions of government or control.

  3. A gap in continuity.


[Latin : inter-, inter- + rēgnum, reign; see reign.]
in'ter·reg'nal (-nəl) adj.
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

interregnum 
1579, from L., lit. "between-reign," from inter- (q.v.) + regnum (see reign).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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