recess

Pronunciation: /rɪˈsɛs, ˈriːsɛs/

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Definition of recess

noun

1a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest:a table set into a recess
a hollow space inside something:the concrete block has a recess in its base
(usually recesses) a remote, secluded, or secret place:the recesses of the silent pine forest figurativethe dark recesses of his soul

2a period of time when the proceedings of a parliament, committee, court of law, or other official body are temporarily suspended:talks resumed after a month’s recess Parliament was in recess
chiefly North American a break between school classes:the mid-morning recess

verb

1 [with object] (often as adjective recessed) attach (a fitment) by setting it back into the wall or surface to which it is fixed:recessed ceiling lights

2 [no object] chiefly North American (of formal proceedings) be temporarily suspended:the talks recessed at 2.15
[with object] suspend (formal proceedings) temporarily: the trial was recessed for the weekend
(of an official body) suspend its proceedings for a period of time: Parliament recessed for the summer on Tuesday

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'withdrawal, departure'): from Latin recessus, from recedere 'go back' (see recede). The verb dates from the early 19th century

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recess

noun

verb

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