interregnum
[ in-ter-reg-nuh m ]
/ ˌɪn tərˈrɛg nəm /
noun, plural in·ter·reg·nums, in·ter·reg·na [in-ter-reg-nuh] /ˌɪn tərˈrɛg nə/.
an interval of time between the close of a sovereign's reign and the accession of his or her normal or legitimate successor.
any period during which a state has no ruler or only a temporary executive.
any period of freedom from the usual authority.
any pause or interruption in continuity.
OTHER WORDS FROM interregnum
in·ter·reg·nal, adjectiveWords nearby interregnum
British Dictionary definitions for interregnal
interregnum
/ (ˌɪntəˈrɛɡnəm) /
noun plural -nums or -na (-nə)
an interval between two reigns, governments, incumbencies, etc
any period in which a state lacks a ruler, government, etc
a period of absence of some control, authority, etc
a gap in a continuity
Derived forms of interregnum
interregnal, adjectiveWord Origin for interregnum
C16: from Latin, from
inter- +
regnum
reign