Words / C2

l-uh-KYOON-uh/ləˈkjuːnə/

A lacuna is a gap where something is missing in a text, record, or argument (formal): a lacuna in the manuscript, fill a lacuna. Gap (already in the dictionary) is everyday; hiatus and void (already in the dictionary) are the close twins of a break and an emptiness. Paucity (already in the dictionary) is too little of a thing, not a hole in a page. Do not treat a blank n as a nicety of layout.

Meaning

A gap or missing part in a text, argument, or record (formal).

Examples

• “The lacuna in the n is a finding, not a formatting nicety.”
• “Gap is everyday (already in B1). Hiatus is a pause (already in C1). Void is emptiness (already in C1). Paucity is scarcity (already in C2). A short appendix can still be complete. An empty cell is not a small gap; it is none. Write the number or write that it is missing.”

Good to know

A gap in a text or argument (formal). Everyday: gap (already in this dictionary). Close: hiatus / void (already in C1). Contrast: paucity (too little — already in C2). Layout ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

gap, hiatus, void, omission

New