rift
noun
an opening made by splitting, cleaving, etc.; fissure; cleft; chink.
rifting
-
present participleof rift.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We're excited about this result from Dr. Rajaonarison's numerical modeling because it provides new information about the complex processes that shape the Earth's surface through continental rifting," Stamps said.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026
"The thinner the crust gets, the weaker it becomes, which helps promote continued rifting," Rowan says.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 25, 2026
These pathways opened during a period of tectonic stretching and rifting that eventually split Rodinia apart.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2026
“There are a variety of older structures in the range, too, due to ancient rifting, that could be reactivated.”
From National Geographic ● Sep. 11, 2023
The electric fires rifting the darkness of this out-world night were beyond compare in their terror.
From The Golden Woman A Story of the Montana Hills by Ridgwell Cullum
