crevice
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of crevice
1300–50; Middle English crevace < Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to crev ( er ) to crack (< Latin crepāre ) + -ace noun suffix
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Explanation
A crevice is a long, tight space often found on the face of a mountain or other geological formation. A crevice can be large or small, but because it is usually hard reach, it is a great hiding place for all things like reptiles, bugs, and lost climbers. The word crevice often refers to a natural formation, but it can be used to describe any long, narrow space that’s hard to access. If you’ve lost something you might say, “I’m going to look in every crack and crevice,” to describe the search. Chances are you’ll find that lost item in the long narrow space — the crevice — between the cushions of your sofa, along with other things you didn't even know were missing!
Vocabulary lists containing crevice
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"The Tell-Tale Heart," Vocabulary from the short story
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A Wrinkle in Time
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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.
Researchers from several South American institutions have identified a new species of crevice weaver spider, expanding what scientists know about the Pikelinia genus.
From Science Daily • May 1, 2026
I was a “serious yogi,” and to date me would mean respecting my daily practice and being OK with the 3,000 small Ganesha statues tucked into every crevice of my apartment.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
The first pilot was found Friday, but it took more than 36 hours to locate the second aviator who was hiding in a mountain crevice.
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
A senior official also told CBS that the CIA played a crucial in the rescue mission by tracking the airman in a mountain crevice and passing his exact location to the Pentagon.
From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026
The giant was half the length of my spear from the reef, but while I watched, one of his long arms ran out like a snake and felt its way into the crevice.
From "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.