interregnum

[ in-ter-reg-nuh m ]
/ ˌɪn tərˈrɛg nəm /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR interregnum ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Origin of interregnum

1570–80; < Latin, equivalent to inter- inter- + rēgnum reign

OTHER WORDS FROM interregnum

in·ter·reg·nal, adjective

Words nearby interregnum

interradial, interradicular alveoloplasty, interradicular space, interrecord gap, interregional, interregnum, interrelate, interrelated, interrelation, interreligious, interrex

Words related to interregnum

interim, meantime, lull, respite, idyll, interruption, interval, layoff, intermission, spell, hiatus, recess, hesitation, halt, stoppage, lapse, interlude, letup, suspension, hitch

Example sentences from the Web for interregnum

British Dictionary definitions for interregnum

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, adjective

Word Origin for interregnum

C16: from Latin, from inter- + regnum reign