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 (国家无正常统治者或合法统治者的)空位期(尤指一君主的统治权结束而继任者尚未执政的时期).
(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 (一组织的新旧领导人交替间的)空位期(旧任辞职或死亡, 新任未定之际).
2 (fig 比喻) interval or pause; gap in continuity 间歇; 停顿; 中断期间.