gapping

1. 1
   verb

   The -ing form of gap. Use it after am, is, are, was or were, or to name the action.

   The mechanic is gapping the spark plugs before the race.

   Gapping spark plugs is an easy job with the right tool.

   Note
2. 2
   noununcountable

   The making of an open space or gap between two parts.

   Like the space that opens when you slowly pull two stuck papers apart.

   The doctor saw gapping in the cut and added more stitches.

   Gapping between the wound edges made the injury heal slowly.

   Similarseparation, dehiscence, gaping, parting

   Oppositeclosure

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   Leaving out a repeated verb in the second part of a joined sentence.

   Like leaving out a word everyone already knows so you don't say it twice.

   Gapping lets us say 'Tom drinks tea, and Sue coffee' without saying the verb twice.

   Thanks to gapping, we can skip the repeated verb in the second clause.

   Note

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