Pronunciation: [sˈɪŋɡʌltəs] (IPA) 
Singultus is a medical term that refers to an involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm causing a sharp intake of breath, also known as hiccups. The spelling of singultus is represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /sɪŋˈɡʌltəs/. The "s" is pronounced as /s/, the "i" as /ɪ/, the "ng" as /ŋ/, the "u" as a short /ʌ/, the "l" as /l/, the "t" as /t/, and the "us" as /əs/.
Singultus is a medical term derived from Latin, referring to an involuntary and repetitive contraction or spasm of the diaphragm muscle that causes sudden and rapid inhalation, accompanied by a characteristic sound resembling a hiccup. It is referred to more commonly as hiccups in colloquial language.
Singultus typically occurs due to irritation or stimulation of the phrenic nerves, which control the movements of the diaphragm. This irritation can result from various causes, including eating or drinking too quickly, swallowing excessive amounts of air, sudden temperature changes, emotions, certain medications, or medical conditions affecting the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract.
The duration of singultus can vary from a few minutes to hours or even days in some cases, and it usually resolves spontaneously without medical intervention. However, persistent chronic hiccups may require medical attention as they can interfere with eating, sleeping, and daily activities, leading to exhaustion or malnutrition.
There are several methods used to alleviate singultus, including breath-holding, drinking water, gargling, swallowing a spoonful of sugar, holding one's breath, or stimulating the throat. In more severe cases, medications such as muscle relaxants, sedatives, or medications targeting specific nerve pathways may be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Overall, singultus refers to the physiological phenomenon characterized by the contraction of the diaphragm muscle, leading to hiccups, with various potential triggers and durations.
A hiccup.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "singultus" is derived from Latin. It comes from the verb "singultare", which means "to gasp for breath, sob". The noun "singultus" specifically refers to the act of sobbing or hiccupping.
