Webster's English Dictionary

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syncope

syn.co.pe \'sin-k*-(.)pe-, 'sin-\ n [LL, fr Gk synkope-, lit., cutting 
   short, fr. synkoptein to cut]short, fr. syn- + koptein to cut - more at 
   CAPON 1: a partial or complete temporary suspension of respiration and 
   circulatio n due to cerebral ischemia : FAINT 2: the loss of one or more 
   sounds or letters in the interior of a word (as  in fo'c'sle for 
   forecastle)