Wiktionary:Word of the day/2022/April 9

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stopgap n

(rare) That which stops up or fills a gap or hole. (figuratively) Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler. A short-term fix or temporary measure used until something better can be obtained; that which serves as an expedient in an emergency; a band-aid solution. (specifically) A person appointed or hired to fill a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire can be made; a temp. stopgap adj Filling a gap or pause. Short-term; temporary. stopgap v (transitive) To stop up or fill (a physical gap or hole, or a hiatus). (intransitive) To use something as a short-term fix or temporary measure until a better alternative can be obtained. (specifically) To work at a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire is made.

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