How Do You Spell LACUNOUS?

Pronunciation: [lˈakʌnəs] (IPA)

The word "lacunous" is spelled with 3 syllables: la-cun-ous. The first syllable "la" is pronounced like "lah" (/lɑ/). The second syllable "cun" is pronounced like "kun" (/kʌn/). The final syllable "ous" is pronounced like "us" (/ʌs/). The word means "having gaps or missing parts". It is often used in reference to something that is incomplete or insufficient. Proper spelling is important for effective communication, especially when it comes to academic or professional writing.

LACUNOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Lacunous is an adjective that can be used to describe something that is marked by gaps, holes, or spaces. It derives from the Latin word "lacuna," which means a cavity, gap, or missing part.

   Within a physical context, lacunous refers to the presence of or pertaining to small empty spaces within a larger structure. It suggests that there are intermittent or scattered voids or openings, creating a sense of incompleteness or hollowness. For example, a lacunous material could be a sponge with its numerous pores or a honeycomb with empty hexagonal cells.

   In a figurative or metaphorical sense, lacunous describes something that is incomplete, lacking necessary details, or marked by gaps in logic or reasoning. It implies that an idea, argument, or narrative has missing or unresolved parts, leaving room for confusion or ambiguity. For instance, a lacunous plot may have unresolved storylines or unexplained gaps in the sequence of events.

   When used in literary or artistic criticism, lacunous suggests that a work of art, literature, or music intentionally leaves gaps or omissions as a stylistic choice. This deliberate use of gaps or absences may engage the viewer or reader in an active role of interpretation, encouraging them to fill in the missing pieces and construct their own meaning. Lacunous elements in a poem, painting, or musical composition can evoke intrigue, mystery, or create a sense of depth and complexity.

2. Furrowed or pitted; containing cavities.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LACUNOUS

• kacunous
• pacunous
• oacunous
• lzcunous
• lscunous
• lwcunous
• lqcunous
• laxunous
• lavunous
• lafunous
• ladunous
• lacynous
• lachnous
• lacjnous
• lacinous
• lac8nous
• lac7nous
• lacubous
• lacumous
• Lacufous

Etymology of LACUNOUS

The word "lacunous" originates from the Latin term "lacūnōsus", which is derived from "lacūna", meaning "a small pit or hollow". "Lacūna" comes from the verb "lacūnāre", meaning "to make full of holes or pits". The noun "lacūna" can also refer to "a small lake" or "a blank or missing portion" in a manuscript or document. Thus, "lacunous" evolved from the Latin term to its current usage in English, meaning "having gaps or missing parts".