Fissure: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when describing a long, narrow opening or line of breakage, particularly in rock or other geological formations. It is often used in scientific or technical contexts.

• The geologist studied the fissure in the cliff to determine its cause

This word applies to a narrow opening resulting from a split or crack, typically used to describe something in nature like rock faces, cliffs, or glaciers. It sounds slightly more specific and less general than 'crack'.

• A small animal was hiding in the crevice of the rock
• || The climber placed his hand carefully into the crevice to get a better grip

This word is commonly used to describe a narrow space created by breaking or splitting, especially in a surface like a wall, glass, or pavement. It is the most general term and is often used in everyday language.

• There was a crack in the glass after I dropped the vase
• || The wall showed several cracks after the earthquake

This word is appropriate when referring to a split or indentation in an object or a surface, especially one that is natural in origin. It is also commonly used to describe parts of the body, like a cleft chin.

• Her cleft chin gave her face a distinct appearance
• || The tree had a cleft that made it look as if it were splitting in two

Typically used in geology or medical contexts to describe a narrow opening or crack, especially in rocks, earth, or in the body.

• The earthquake caused a deep fissure in the ground
• The doctor noted a small fissure in the patient's bone

Often used to refer to a split or indentation in the skin or earth, or as a term in biology for naturally occurring splits or spaces in tissues.

• The child was born with a cleft palate
• The mountain climbers found shelter in a cleft in the rock

Commonly used to refer to dividing something into parts or groups, or a disagreement within a group. It can also denote physical separation.

• There was a split in the team over the strategy
• She managed to split the wood into smaller pieces

Used to describe a serious break or gap, typically in relationships, as well as geological features. Often has a negative connotation in personal contexts.

• A rift developed between the two friends after the argument
• The landscape was marked by a wide rift

Used to describe a long, narrow opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting, especially in a rock or the earth's surface.

• The earthquake created a deep fissure in the ground
• Scientists examined the fissure to understand the earth's movements

Describes a line on the surface of something along which it has split without breaking apart, often used more casually.

• There's a large crack in the wall that needs to be fixed
• I heard a crack and knew the ice was breaking

Indicates dividing or causing to divide into parts or elements, often with implication of separating into two roughly equal parts. Can be used both literally and figuratively.

• Let's split the cake into four pieces
• They decided to split the workload between the team members

Refers to making a way through something forcefully, or splitting something into parts. Often used in a more dramatic or literary context.

• He used an axe to cleave the log into smaller pieces
• The hero's sword could cleave through any armor