The word "retchings" is spelled with two common English consonants, 'r' and 't', both pronounced with their typical IPA symbols. The 'e' between them is pronounced as a short 'ɛ' sound. The 'ch' in "retchings" is a digraph representing a 'k' sound followed by an 'h' sound. The 'i' in the word is pronounced long as 'aɪ'. Finally, the 'ng' in "retchings" represents a single sound made by putting the back of the tongue against the soft palate- denoted by an 'ŋ'.
Retchings refer to involuntary contractions of the stomach and diaphragm muscles that result in a series of gagging or heaving movements. This term is most commonly associated with the act of vomiting or the attempt to vomit. When someone experiences retchings, the body undergoes a reflexive response in an attempt to expel stomach contents or irritants from the digestive system.
During retchings, one may feel a strong contraction and uneasiness in the abdominal area, and the diaphragm muscle moves upward while the throat muscles contract, causing a sensation of choking or the urge to expel contents. These contractions often manifest as repeated spasms or jerking movements of the abdomen, accompanied by a distinct sound known as a retch or gag. Retching can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, increased salivation, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Retchings can occur as a result of various factors, including a response to foreign substances, digestive issues, motion sickness, pregnancy, food poisoning, intense pain, or the consumption of noxious substances. In some cases, retchings may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition and may necessitate medical attention.
Overall, retchings can be described as a reflexive, involuntary action of the body that prompts repeated spasms or contractions of the stomach and diaphragm muscles in an attempt to expel stomach contents or other irritants.
The word "retchings" is derived from the verb "retch", which itself has an interesting etymology. "Retch" originated in Middle English as "rechen" or "recchen", which meant "to stretch out, reach", especially in regard to the arm or hand. This Middle English term can be traced back to the Old English word "rǣċan", which had similar meanings of "to stretch out, extend".
Over time, the meaning of "retch" shifted to refer specifically to the act of straining or making an effort, particularly when accompanied by gagging or vomiting. Thus, "retchings" is the noun form that denotes multiple instances of retching or the sounds and actions associated with it.