I've noticed symbols in between chapters in books that seem to show a lapse in time. What is the name of this?

Question

I am reading a work of fiction and keep coming across three dots after certain paragraphs and the next paragraph starts in the future. I understand what the author is doing, but I am curious as to what this type of punctuation is actually called. I thought it was an ellipsis, but this is incorrect. Any ideas?

Answer 1

If the three dots occur within the body of the text, that's an ellipsis, and it is used to indicate that part of the text has been intentionally left out, to reflect an incomplete thought.

If the dots occur BETWEEN paragraphs, this is a technique unique to this author to indicate the passage of time. Since the technique is unique to the author, and not a part of standard English, it has no name (unless the author has chosen to give it one -- you'll have to contact him or her yourself).

Answer 2

I think you are correct but the author may not be using it exactly right.

Ellipsis (plural ellipses; from Greek ἔλλειψις 'omission') in printing and writing refers to the row of three full stops (... or . . . ) or asterisks (***) indicating an intentional omission. This punctuation mark is also called a suspension point, points of ellipsis, periods of ellipsis, or colloquially, dot-dot-dot. An ellipsis is sometimes used to indicate a pause in speech, an unfinished thought or, at the end of a sentence, a trailing off into silence (aposiopesis).

Answer 3

Elipsis is the actual name, but wouldn't it make more sense if it were 'elapsis' ?

Answer 4

If you are still confused, you can check this link out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis_%28narrative_device%29