memory gap

[/ˈmɛməri ɡæp/]
nounpl: memory gaps
lacuna de memória
1. A period of time for which a person cannot remember events or information; a blank space in one's recollection
After the accident, the patient had a memory gap of several hours.
Após o acidente, o paciente tinha uma lacuna de memória de várias horas.
2. The inability to recall specific details, facts, or experiences that should be within one's memory
There's a significant memory gap in my recollection of that evening.
Há uma lacuna de memória significativa na minha lembrança daquela noite.
3. In legal or investigative contexts, an unexplained period where key information is missing or unavailable
The witness had a memory gap regarding the suspect's whereabouts.
A testemunha tinha uma lacuna de memória sobre o paradeiro do suspeito.
The term 'memory gap' is frequently used in both American and Brazilian contexts, particularly in medical, legal, and psychological discussions. In Brazil, it's common in courtrooms and medical examinations. Americans often use more colloquial expressions like 'brain fart' or 'blackout' in casual conversation, while maintaining 'memory gap' for formal contexts such as medical records and legal documents.
NYC Slang
brain fart; blank
Synonyms / Sinônimos
blackoutlapse of memoryamnesiablank spotmemory lapsememory blank
Antonyms / Antônimos
perfect recallclear memoryvivid recollection

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
lacuna de memória
Standard term used across Brazil in medical and everyday contexts
Rio de Janeiro
branco de memória
More colloquial expression; literally 'memory blank'
São Paulo
falha de memória
Common alternative; emphasizes the failure aspect
Portugal
lacuna de memória
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also used in legal and medical fields

Related Words

amnesiaforgetfulnessrecallretentioncognitive functionrecollectionmemory lossconsciousness

Related Idioms & Phrases

draw a blank
have a senior moment
slip one's mind
brain fog
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