chasm
[ kaz-uh m ]
/ ˈkæz əm /
noun
a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge.
a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
a marked interruption of continuity; gap: a chasm in time.
a sundering breach in relations, as a divergence of opinions, beliefs, etc., between persons or groups.
Nearby words
chase mortise, chaser, chasid, chasing, chasles, chasm, chasmogamous, chasmogamy, chasse gardée, chassepot, chasseur
Origin of chasm
1590–1600; apocopated variant of chasma < Latin < Greek, equivalent to cha- (root of chaínein to gape; see yawn) + -(a)sma resultative suffix
Related forms
chas·mal, chas·mic, adjectivechasmed, adjectivechasm·y, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for chasm
British Dictionary definitions for chasm
chasm
/ (ˈkæzəm) /
noun
a deep cleft in the ground; abyss
a break in continuity; gap
a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc
Derived Forms
chasmal (ˈkæzməl) or chasmic, adjectiveWord Origin for chasm
C17: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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