recess

[ ri-ses, ree-ses ]

noun

1. temporary withdrawal or cessation from the usual work or activity.

   Synonyms: vacation, break, rest, respite

2. a period of such withdrawal.
3. a receding recede part or space, as a bay or alcove in a room.
4. an indentation in a line or extent of coast, hills, forest, etc.
5. recesses, a secluded or inner area or part:

   in the recesses of the palace.

verb (used with object)

1. to place or set in a recess.
2. to set or form as or like a recess; make a recess or recesses in:

   to recess a wall.

3. to suspend or defer for a recess:

   to recess the Senate.

verb (used without object)

1. to take a recess.

recess

noun

1. a space, such as a niche or alcove, set back or indented
2. often plural a secluded or secret place

   recesses of the mind

3. a cessation of business, such as the closure of Parliament during a vacation
4. anatomy a small cavity or depression in a bodily organ, part, or structure
5. a break between classes at a school

verb

1. tr to place or set (something) in a recess
2. tr to build a recess or recesses in (a wall, building, etc)

Other Words From

• nonre·cess noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

1510–20; < Latin recessus a withdrawal, receding part, equivalent to recēd ( ere ) to recede ¹ + -tus suffix of v. action, with dt > ss

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

C16: from Latin recessus a retreat, from recēdere to recede

Example Sentences

But Trump recently said the Senate "must agree" to recess appointments - a process that skips Senate vetting and allows quick installation of a nominee.

From BBC

Recess appointments also are meant to be temporary and expire at the end of a congressional session - at most, one year.

From BBC

Sen John Thune, who was chosen majority leader, agreed to use recess appointments to fill the posts quickly.

From BBC

In a recess appointment, a president makes an appointment when Congress is on recess.

From BBC

George W. Bush made 171 recess appointments, Bill Clinton made 139 and Barack Obama made at least 32, according to the CRS.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjourn
• break off
• break up
• dissolve
• terminate