interstice
[in-tur-stis]
- 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.
Show More
Origin of interstice
1595–1605; < Latin interstitium, equivalent to interstit-, variant stem of intersistere to stand or put between + -ium -ium
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for interstices
cranny, fissure, space, interval, gap, crevice, slit, aperture, cleft, hole, chinkExamples from the Web for interstices
Contemporary Examples of interstices
And it is here, in the interstices between the law and morality, that the pressure for reform starts to build up irresistibly.
Historical Examples of interstices
They pressed their ears to the interstices, listening for the sound of a groan, for a sigh of pain.
A Set of SixJoseph Conrad
His home was but a cabin of logs, with the interstices stuffed with moss.
The interstices between the logs were filled with moss or clay.
Daniel BooneJohn S. C. Abbott
The interstices of these are also filled up with the same membrane.
Life And Adventures Of Peter Wilkins, Vol. I. (of II.)Robert Paltock
They could easily have slipped into the interstices of the broken pan and not have been observed by him.
From Sand Hill to PineBret Harte
interstice
- a minute opening or crevice between things
- physics the space between adjacent atoms in a crystal lattice
Show More
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
Word Origin and History for interstices
interstice
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
interstice
(ĭn-tûr′stĭs)- A small area, space, or hole in the substance of an organ or tissue.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.