Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Crater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ‘
Add to dictionary

crater

[หˆkreษชtษ™(r) ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geological formation

A crater is a bowl-shaped depression or cavity in the ground or on a celestial body, typically caused by an explosion or the impact of a meteorite. Craters can vary greatly in size, from small pits to large, impactful formations that can be seen from space. On Earth, they are often formed by volcanic activity, while on the Moon, they are predominantly created by meteorite impacts. The study of craters helps scientists understand both geological processes and the history of celestial bodies.

Synonyms

bowl, depression, hollow, pit.

Examples of usage

  • The meteor created a massive crater on impact.
  • Scientists are studying the craters on Mars.
  • The volcano erupted, leaving behind a large crater.
  • Astronomers observed the crater filled with ice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geology

  • Craters can form from volcanic activity, where magma bursts through the Earth's surface, creating a bowl-like depression.
  • Impact craters are formed when meteoroids, asteroids, or comets collide with the Earth, varying in size from small pits to vast basins.

Astronomy

  • The Moon has thousands of craters caused by impacts over billions of years, with no atmosphere to erode them away.
  • Mars features the largest known impact crater in the solar system, Valles Marineris, which stretches about 2,500 miles long.

Cultural References

  • Craters have often inspired artists and writers, symbolizing the scars and stories of a planetโ€™s history.
  • In science fiction, craters are often depicted as landing sites for alien spacecraft or bases on other planets.

Environmental Impact

  • Impact events that create craters can have significant effects, including climate changes that lead to mass extinctions.
  • Some craters, like the Barringer Meteorite Crater in Arizona, are valuable for studying the history of cosmic impacts on Earth.

Origin of 'crater'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'krater,' meaning mixing bowl, reflecting the bowl shape of a typical crater.
  • It appeared in the English language in the 17th century, initially describing the bowls used by ancient Greeks.

The word 'crater' comes from the Latin 'crater', meaning 'mixing bowl', which is derived from the Greek 'krater', a term used to describe a large vessel for mixing wine and water. This etymological background reflects the shape of a crater, resembling a bowl or pot. The term was adopted into English in the 17th century, primarily in the context of volcanic formations. Over time, the usage expanded to include any significant depression formed by impact or excavation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,964, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.