gapes

[ geyps, gaps ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. Veterinary Pathology. a parasitic disease of poultry and other birds, characterized by frequent gaping due to infestation of the trachea and bronchi with gapeworms.
2. a fit of yawning.

gapes

/ ɡeɪps /

noun

1. a disease of young domestic fowl, characterized by gaping or gasping for breath and caused by parasitic worms ( gapeworms )
2. informal.
   a fit of yawning

Derived Forms

• ˈgapy, adjective

Other Words From

• gapy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gapes¹

gape, -s ³

Example Sentences

Stitches are only required when the wound gapes to a considerable extent, as it will always do when running across a muscle.

From Project Gutenberg

He speaks yawing like a jackdaw that gapes to be fed with cheese-curds.

From Project Gutenberg

In these, too, the ligament is very prominent, and the shell gapes slightly at both ends.

From Project Gutenberg

He must not look at his wife when she sneezes or gapes or eats.

From Project Gutenberg

White terriers suffer most from distemper; white chickens from the gapes.

From Project Gutenberg