Word of the Day: Recess

recess re-cess / rē-sĕs, rĭ-sĕs noun 1. a short intermission, a temporary stoppage of a pursuit or action In court, jurors are admonished by the judge at every recess not to discuss the case or form any opinions until the case is given to them for deliberations. Robert Shapiro, 1942 – 2. a break during the school day for students to play or relax Ten minutes is short if it’s a recess and long if it’s a punishment. Cynthia Lewis, 1960 – 3. (often recesses) a secret or secluded place We should live as if we were in public view, and think, too, as if someone could peer into the inmost recesses of our hearts-which someone can! Seneca the Younger, 4 BC – 65 AD 4. a space formed by indentation, a niche I remained in a recess of the rock, gazing on this wonderful and stupendous scene. From “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, 1797 – 1851 verb 1. to place in a niche There was no room to recess the lighting elements in the ceiling, so everything had to be surface mounted. From “Barrier Motors, Bellevue, Washington” ‘Architectural Lighting’, www.archlighting.com/industry/barrier-motors-bellevue-washington_o, March 8, 2007 2. to create an indentation in When you can’t find a convenient nook for a set of shelves, you can often create one by recessing the shelves into the wall itself. “12 Simple Storage Solutions for Small Spaces”, https://www.familyhandyman.com/storage-organization/12-simple-storage-solutions/ 3. to stop or suspend for a period; to take a break Protesters yelled from the Senate gallery during and after the lengthy debate, forcing the Senate to recess while order was restored. Washington Post, “Newsom’s California vaccine bill changes surprise backers,” 4 Sep. 2019