interlude
Pronunciation: /ˈɪntəl(j)uːd/
noun
- 1an intervening period of time; an interval: enjoying a lunchtime interlude
- a pause between the acts of a play.
- 2a thing occurring or done during an interval.
- something performed during a theatre interval: an orchestral interlude
- a piece of music played between other pieces or between the verses of a hymn: short instrumental interludes between songs
- a temporary amusement or diversion that contrasts with what goes before or after: the romantic interlude palled rapidly once he was back in town
Origin:
Middle English (originally denoting a light dramatic entertainment): from medieval Latin interludium, from inter- 'between' + ludus 'play'