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Fissures: meaning, definitions and examples

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fissures

 

[ ˈfɪʃərz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geological terms

Fissures are narrow openings or cracks in a surface, particularly in geological formations. They often occur in rocks, creating pathways for water and other natural forces.

Synonyms

break, crack, crevice, gap, split.

Examples of usage

  • The fissures in the rock allowed water to seep through.
  • We noticed several fissures on the mountainside after the earthquake.
  • Fissures can often lead to volcanic activity.
  • Erosion can widen existing fissures over time.
Context #2 | Noun

medical terms

In a medical context, fissures refer to splits or cracks in tissue, particularly in the skin or mucous membranes. They can be painful and may require medical attention for healing.

Synonyms

crack, gash, laceration, tear.

Examples of usage

  • The patient suffered from anal fissures which caused significant discomfort.
  • Fissures in the skin can be a sign of dryness or infection.
  • Treatment for fissures often includes topical creams.
  • Chronic fissures can lead to complications if left untreated.

Etymology

The word 'fissure' comes from the Latin 'fissura', which means 'to split'. This Latin term is derived from 'fiss-', the stem of 'findere', meaning 'to cleave or split'. Its English use dates back to the early 17th century, relating primarily to geological formations such as cracks in rocks or the ground. Over time, the term has also been adopted in medical contexts to describe cracks in bodily tissues. The evolution of the word reflects its usage in various fields, demonstrating how a single term can bridge natural science and medicine.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,907, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.