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   recess

   /rɪˈsɛs/

   noun

   • 1. a 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" Similar alcovebaynichenookcorneringlenookhollowcavityapsetokonomatechnical:orielaumbryexedraarchaic:tabernacle
   • ▪ a remote, secluded, or secret place: "the recesses of the silent pine forest" Similar innermost parts/reachesremote/secret placesdark cornersheartinner sanctuminteriordepthsbowelsinformal:innardsrare:penetralia
   • 2. a 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"
   • ▪ a break between school classes: North American "the mid-morning recess" Similar adjournmentbreakinterludeintervalrestintermissionrespitetemporary closuretemporary cessation of businesstime offholidayvacationinformal:breathertime out

   verb

   • 1. attach (a fitment) by setting it back into the wall or surface to which it is fixed: "the lights are going to be recessed into the ceiling"
   • 2. (of formal proceedings) be temporarily suspended: North American "the talks recessed at 2.15"
   • ▪ 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"

   Word 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.

   Scrabble Points: 8

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