interregnum

[ in-ter-reg-nuhm ]
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noun,plural in·ter·reg·nums, in·ter·reg·na [in-ter-reg-nuh]. /ˌɪn tərˈrɛg nə/.
  1. an interval of time between the close of a sovereign's reign and the accession of their normal or legitimate successor.

  2. any period during which a state has no ruler or only a temporary executive.

  1. any period of freedom from the usual authority.

  2. any pause or interruption in continuity.

Origin of interregnum

1
First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin; originally “the period between the death of the old king and the accession of the new one,” equivalent to inter- preposition and prefix + regnum “office or power of a king, kingship, kingdom”; see origin at inter-, reign

Other words from interregnum

  • in·ter·reg·nal, adjective

Words Nearby interregnum

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How to use interregnum in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for interregnum

interregnum

/ (ˌɪntəˈrɛɡnəm) /


nounplural -nums or -na (-nə)
  1. an interval between two reigns, governments, incumbencies, etc

  2. any period in which a state lacks a ruler, government, etc

  1. a period of absence of some control, authority, etc

  2. a gap in a continuity

Origin of interregnum

1
C16: from Latin, from inter- + regnum reign

Derived forms of interregnum

  • interregnal, adjective

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