Lap

Definition

The upper part of the thighs when sitting; also a complete circuit or round, especially in racing or athletics.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /læp/
• Respelling: LAP (with "LAP" as in "cap")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /læp/
• Respelling: LAP (with "LAP" as in "cap")

In both dialects, "lap" places the primary stress on the entire word, "LAP." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LAP."

Etymology

The term "lap" originates from Old English "læppa", meaning 'skirt' or 'flap of a garment'. Its meaning as a part of the body appeared around the 13th century, and the sense of "one complete round" developed by the 19th century.

Derivatives

• Lapful
• Lapwing (bird unrelated to the primary meaning)
• Lapper
• Lap joint
• Lapsing

Synonyms

• Circuit
• Overlap
• Fold

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "lap" is used in various contexts, such as describing a part of the body, an action by animals, or a unit of measurement in races.

Related Terms

• Circuit: A complete and closed path around which a circulating electric current can flow.
• Overlap: Extend over and cover a part of.
• Fold: Bend (something flexible and relatively flat) over on itself.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Lap (Noun): The flat area formed by the upper thighs of a seated person.
  • Example: "She held the book in her lap as she read to her child."

• Lap (Noun): A single circuit of a track in racing.
  • Example: "He completed ten laps in the swimming pool."

• Lap (Noun): The action of an animal drinking a liquid with its tongue.
  • Example: "The dog took a lap of water from the bowl."

• Lap (Noun): An overlapping or fold.
  • Example: "The lap of the fabric covered the seam."

Verb

• Lap (Verb): To make one complete circuit around a track or course.
  • Example: "The runner lapped the track twice before stopping."

• Lap (Verb): To drink a liquid by scooping it with the tongue, especially by animals.
  • Example: "The cat lapped the milk from the saucer."

• Lap (Verb): To extend over and cover a part of.
  • Example: "The shingles lap each other on the roof."