In parliamentary procedure, a recess refers to a short intermission in a meeting of a deliberative assembly.
[1] A break for lunch can be more in the nature of a recess or an adjournment depending on the time and the extent of dispersion of the members required for them to be served.
[1] Under Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, a motion to recess may not be called when another person has the floor, is not reconsiderable, and requires a second and a majority vote.
[2] Stand at ease is a brief pause without a recess in which the members remain in place but may converse while waiting for the meeting to resume.
[4][5] In the United States Congress, a recess could mean a temporary interruption or it could mean a longer break, such as one for the holidays or for the summer.