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lacuna

Lacuna (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ləˈkyu nə/

What does lacuna mean?

A gap, blank space, or missing part in a text, record, or sequence of events.
"The archaeologists discovered a lacuna in their understanding of the ancient civilization."

Detailed Meaning of Lacuna

It can also refer to an area or period of time where information is missing or unknown. A lacuna can occur for various reasons, such as incomplete records, intentional erasure or destruction, or the passage of time. In literature, a lacuna can be used as a literary device to create suspense or intrigue, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps with their imagination. The term 'lacuna' is often used in fields such as archaeology, history, and linguistics to refer to missing information or data that could shed light on a particular subject or topic.

Example Sentences for Lacuna

1. A lacuna in the historical record has left us with unanswered questions.
2. The book contained a mysterious lacuna in the middle of the story.
3. Detectives sought to fill the lacuna in the investigation's timeline.
4. The lacuna in her memory made her question her past.
5. The ancient manuscript had a lacuna in the text, leaving words missing.
6. The lacuna in his knowledge of art history was evident.

Origin and Etymology of Lacuna

The noun 'lacuna' has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'lacuna,' which means 'a pit' or 'a gap.' This Latin term, in turn, is related to 'lacus,' meaning 'a lake' or 'a hollow.' The etymology of 'lacuna' thus conveys the idea of an empty or hollow space, emphasizing the concept of a gap or missing part within a text, record, or sequence of events. This term has been adopted into English to describe instances where information or content is conspicuously absent or lacking, underscoring the notion of an intellectual or factual void within a given context.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun lacuna:

fullness

completeness

overflow

gap

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Lacuna

1. Researchers discovered a significant lacuna in their data analysis.
2. Her speech had a noticeable lacuna, leaving the audience puzzled.
3. The document had a lacuna where a critical signature should be.
4. A lacuna in the map made it challenging to navigate.
5. The detective found a lacuna in the suspect's alibi.
6. A lacuna in the recipe made it impossible to replicate the dish.
7. The historical account had a troubling lacuna in the timeline.
8. An unexplained lacuna in the plot left readers intrigued.
9. The lacuna in the financial report raised suspicions of fraud.
10. The lacuna in her memory prevented her from recalling the event.
11. The missing witness's testimony left a lacuna in the case.
12. The painting had a lacuna in the corner where the canvas was torn.
13. The lacuna in the code caused errors in the software.
14. Filling the lacuna in our understanding of the universe is a scientific quest.
15. There was a lacuna in the historical records of that era.
16. The text had several lacunae where the ink had faded.
17. The missing pages in the manuscript created a lacuna in the story.
18. The detective worked tirelessly to fill the lacuna in the investigation.
19. The gap in the data created a lacuna in the research findings.
20. The speaker paused, leaving a lacuna in their speech.
21. The missing witness testimony left a lacuna in the trial.
22. The damaged artwork had a lacuna where a piece was missing.
23. The absence of information about the suspect was a lacuna in the case.
24. The incomplete map had several lacunae where territories were not marked.
25. The scientist discovered a lacuna in the theory that had been overlooked by previous researchers.