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

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

A little observation of the vicar, compared with the plates in Quain's "Anatomy," showed him precisely at what point in his clerical coat the most vulnerable interstice was situated.

From Strange Stories by Allen, Grant

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

She threw on a heavy bathrobe and kept it on when she crept into the icy interstice between the all-too-snowy sheets.

From The Cup of Fury A Novel of Cities and Shipyards by Raleigh, Henry