Hiccough

(hik'küp,) or HICCUP. (Formed from the sound.] (Med.) A noise made by the sudden and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, and the simultaneous contraction of the glottis, which arrest the air in the trachea. These convulsive inspirations are a symptom of many morbid conditions, but occur frequently in persons otherwise in good health. In obstinate cases the best treatment is to give 20 drops of sal-volatile and 15 drops of ether in a winegla of camphor-water. [s. 454]