Interstice: meaning, definitions and examples

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interstice

 

[ษชnหˆtษœrstษชs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

physical space

An interstice is a small or narrow space between things. It often refers to gaps or openings that exist between objects or within structures. Interstices are commonly discussed in contexts such as architecture, biology, and art, where they help to form a larger structure or concept. Their presence can be significant in the study of various fields, as they can influence function and aesthetics.

Synonyms

crevice, gap, interval, space.

Examples of usage

  • The interstice between the two walls allowed light to enter the room.
  • Scientists study the interstices in the cell structure to understand its functions.
  • Art often utilizes interstices to create visual interest and depth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin, where 'interstitium' means 'to stand between'.
  • It is formed from 'inter-', meaning 'between', and '-stice', related to stans (to stand).
  • The concept has been used since the 15th century to describe gaps, especially in physical or abstract contexts.

Science

  • In biology, interstices are crucial in cellular structures, where they can hold fluids and nutrients.
  • In physics, they refer to spaces between atoms in materials, affecting properties like conductivity.
  • Interstitial space is important in architecture and urban design, influencing how we use space.

Literature

  • Many writers use the concept of interstices to describe emotional gaps or pauses in narratives, representing moments of tension.
  • In poetry, interstitial spaces can create rhythm and enhance meaning, emphasizing the silence between words.
  • Famous authors like James Joyce utilized interstitial moments in stream-of-consciousness writing to reflect character thoughts.

Art

  • Artists often explore interstitial spaces in modern art, using gaps to evoke contemplation and meaning.
  • In sculpture, the relationship between solid forms and interstitial space creates balance and visual interest.
  • Abstract painters might use interstices to emphasize contrasts in color and form, prompting viewer engagement.

Psychology

  • Interstice can represent mental gaps in attention, highlighting where focus is lost and creativity can thrive.
  • In cognitive psychology, understanding interstitial moments may lead to insights about memory recall and thought processes.
  • Therapeutic practices often invite exploration of the interstitial spaces in thought to promote mindfulness and awareness.

Translations

Translations of the word "interstice" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น interstรญcio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เค‚เคคเคฐเคพเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Interstitium

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ interstisi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพะผั–ะถะพะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ interstycjum

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้š™้–“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท interstice

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ intersticio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aralฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ„๊ฒฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุฌูˆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ interstice

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ intersticium

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้—ด้š™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ intersticij

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ millibil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€ะฐะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒœแƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒกแƒขแƒ˜แƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ interstisi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ intersticio

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,681, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.