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View synonyms for

recess

[ ri-ses, ree-ses ]

noun

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

    Synonyms: , , ,

  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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. tr to place or set (something) in a recess
  2. tr to build a recess or recesses in (a wall, building, etc)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ԴDzr· noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of recess1

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

Origin of recess1

C16: from Latin recessus a retreat, from ŧere to recede
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The next day, the winds were fierce and Lam, her students and her teaching assistant spent recess and lunch inside.

From

The Museum and Memorial proved a deeply overwhelming experience for me, a sudden rush of long-ago race history being imprinted in the deep recesses of my mind.

From

It was just like a big, long recess.

From

He made a plea for those who felt the same way to join him if they felt they were unhappy over upcoming the Easter recess.

From

But a government source said it would be all but impossible to pass the law overturning the guidelines before Parliament's Easter recess.

From

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