Crevasse: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in the context of glaciers and ice fields, where large, deep open cracks are formed in the ice.

• The expedition team carefully navigated around the wide crevasse on the glacier.
• Climbers must be wary of hidden crevasses while traversing ice-covered mountains.

Commonly refers to narrow openings or splits, often in rocks or the ground, and can also describe divisions in abstract contexts.

• Steam was escaping through a fissure in the ground.
• A growing fissure in their relationship was apparent to everyone.

Used for smaller, narrower breaks or splits in surfaces such as walls, glass, or ground.

• There was a long crack running down the wall after the earthquake.
• I heard a loud noise and noticed a crack in my car's windshield.

Refers to a deep, large gap or valley, often used metaphorically to describe a significant divide or difference.

• A deep chasm separated the two sides of the canyon.
• The chasm between their opinions made it difficult to reach an agreement.