interstice

[ in-tur-stis ]
/ ɪnˈtɜr stɪs /

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, adjective

Words nearby interstice

interstate commerce commission, interstate highway system, interstellar, interstellar medium, interstellar space, interstice, interstitial, interstitial cell, interstitial cell-stimulating hormone, interstitial cystitis, interstitial disease
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to interstices

cranny, fissure, space, interval, gap, crevice, slit, aperture, cleft, hole, chink

Example sentences from the Web for interstices

British Dictionary definitions for interstices

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for interstices

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 interstices

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.