Hechel

Hechel is a term that can refer to several different things, primarily related to sound and in some contexts, a type of bird.

In phonetics, a hechel, or more commonly "hiccup," is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing a characteristic "hic" sound. These spasms are generally brief and harmless, though persistent hiccups can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition.

The term can also be used colloquially to describe a harsh or rough sound, often used to characterize a person's voice when they are speaking with difficulty or strain. This usage is less formal and more descriptive of a vocal quality.

In ornithology, while not a standard widely recognized term, "hechel" might be an archaic or regional name for a specific bird species or a descriptor of a bird's call, possibly one that sounds rough or chattering. However, it is not a common or scientific classification.

The primary and most widely understood meaning of hechel relates to the physiological phenomenon of a hiccup.