interregnum
n
(pl ~s or -na )
1
(a) period when a state has no normal or lawful ruler, esp at the end of a sovereign's reign and before the appointment of a successor (國家無正常統治者或合法統治者的)空位期(尤指一君主的統治權結束而繼任者尚未執政的時期).
(b) period in an organization when no appointed head or leader is in charge, after the resignation or death of the previous one, until a new appointment is made (一組織的新舊領導人交替間的)空位期(舊任辭職或死亡, 新任未定之際).
2 (fig 比喻) interval or pause; gap in continuity 間歇; 停頓; 中斷期間.