showstopper

English

noun
Definitions
  • A performance or segment of a theatrical production that induces a positive audience reaction strong enough to pause the production.
  • Any impediment that prevents all further progress; especially a software bug that must be fixed before any further development is possible.

Etymology

Compound from English show (performance, entertainment) + English stopper.

Origin

English

stopper

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms