interstice

American  

[in-tur-stis] / ɪnˈtɜr stɪs /

noun

plural

interstices

1. an intervening space.

2. a small or narrow space or interval between things or parts, especially when one of a series of alternating uniform spaces and parts.

   the interstices between the slats of a fence.

3. Roman Catholic Church. the interval of time that must elapse, as required by canon law, before promotion to a higher degree of orders.

4. an interval of time.

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interstice British  

/ ɪnˈtɜːstɪs /

noun

1. a minute opening or crevice between things

2. physics the space between adjacent atoms in a crystal lattice

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interstice Scientific  

/ ĭn-tûr′stĭs /

1. An opening or space, especially a small or narrow one between mineral grains in a rock or within sediments or soil.

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Other Word Forms

• intersticed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of interstice

1595–1605; < Latin interstitium, equivalent to interstit-, variant stem of intersistere to stand or put between + -ium -ium

Explanation

Use the noun interstice to mean a tiny gap, like the interstice between your curtains which lets in a thin slice of morning sunlight. An interstice in the clouds might reveal blue sky, and an interstice in your kitchen wall could account for the mouse problem you've had lately. Though interstice is useful for talking about these narrow spaces or openings between things, it's much more commonly used in its plural form. For example, you might complain that in the interstices of your busy day you have to catch up on returning phone calls. The Latin root is interstitium, which literally means "space between."

Example Sentences

Dark in truck except for crack of light and fresh air coming through small interstice between back doors.”

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2013

Alejandra therefore sits at the exact interstice of prohibition and possibility.

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2013

By following the sound we discovered at last between the great boulders an interstice, which would just allow a man to slip below ground.

From The Watchers A Novel by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)

For his own part, he found the most convenient way of cracking a walnut was deftly to place the article in the interstice of the dining-room door, and gently close it.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 101, October 31, 1891 by Burnand, F. C. (Francis Cowley), Sir

Behind the cottage rose the bare mountain-side, covered with loose stones and rocks, among which in every available interstice the diligent peasants had sown corn and barley.

From The Call of the Blood by Lowell, Orson