gapes

[geyps, gaps]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. Veterinary Pathology.,  a parasitic disease of poultry and other birds, characterized by frequent gaping due to infestation of the trachea and bronchi with gapeworms.

2. a fit of yawning.

gapes

/ ɡeɪps /

noun

1. a disease of young domestic fowl, characterized by gaping or gasping for breath and caused by parasitic worms ( gapeworms )

2. informal,  a fit of yawning

Other Word Forms

• gapy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gapes¹

gape, -s ³