gapping

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of gap

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A type of ellipsis that occurs in the non-initial conjuncts of coordinate structures, and usually elides minimally a finite verb and further any non-finite verbs that are present. Example: "Some ate bread, and others rice."
2. (countable, uncountable)The formation of a gap.

   “The suture must be firm enough to prevent gapping when the elasticity of the elastic layer has been in play for some time.”

   “This test should then be repeated at 30° of knee flexion. The degree of injury can be graded based upon the amount of gapping felt as the joint opens under stress.”