interstice
[ in-tur-stis ]
/ ɪnˈtɜr stɪs /
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noun, plural in·ter·stic·es [in-tur-stuh-seez, -stuh-siz]. /ɪnˈtɜr stəˌsiz, -stə sɪz/.
an intervening space.
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.
Roman Catholic Church. the interval of time that must elapse, as required by canon law, before promotion to a higher degree of orders.
an interval of time.
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Origin of interstice
1595–1605; <Latin interstitium, equivalent to interstit-, variant stem of intersistere to stand or put between + -ium-ium
OTHER WORDS FROM interstice
in·ter·sticed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for interstice
British Dictionary definitions for interstice
interstice
/ (ɪnˈtɜːstɪs) /
noun (usually plural)
a minute opening or crevice between things
physics the space between adjacent atoms in a crystal lattice
Word Origin for interstice
C17: from Latin interstitium interval, from intersistere, from inter- + sistere to stand
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for interstice
interstice
[ ĭn-tûr′stĭs ]
n. pl. in•ter•stic•es (-stĭ-sēz′, -sĭz)
A small area, space, or hole in the substance of an organ or tissue.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for interstice
interstice
[ ĭn-tûr′stĭs ]
An opening or space, especially a small or narrow one between mineral grains in a rock or within sediments or soil.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.