crevice
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈɛvɪs/
US
- /ˈkrɛvəs/
Description
- narrow opening
- crack
- fissure
Imagine a rocky cliff face, weathered by wind and rain. Tiny cracks and narrow openings appear—these are crevices. A crevice is a small gap, often long and narrow, in a larger surface. You might find lost coins wedged into the crevice between car seats, or a tiny creature hiding within a crevice in tree bark. It suggests something hidden, tucked away in a tight space. Think of mountain climbers carefully navigating crevices while scaling a peak!
A crevice is a narrow crack, fissure, or opening—often found in an otherwise solid surface. Unlike a large gap or hole, a crevice implies a confined space, usually long and thin. They are common in natural settings like rocks, cliffs, or tree bark, formed by erosion, pressure, or the slow shifting of the earth. A hiker might notice a tiny fern tucked in a crevice, sheltered from the harsh wind and rain.
But crevices aren't limited to nature! You can find them in man-made structures too—between paving stones, along the edges of old buildings, or even within the intricate workings of machinery. A detective might search for clues within the crevice of a broken window frame.
The word often carries a sense of hiddenness or vulnerability. Something lost could fall into a crevice and be difficult to retrieve. Small animals may use crevices as safe havens from predators. In literature, a character might disappear into a crevice, symbolizing their retreat from the world.
So, whether it's a tiny gap in a rock face or a hidden space within an object, a crevice is a narrow opening that suggests both confinement and potential discovery.
Examples
- 1
Rock shelter
A small crab hid in a crevice between the rocks.
Meaning
crevice
a narrow crack or opening
- 2
Furniture gaps
Dust and crumbs collect in the crevices of the sofa.
- 3
Climbing grip
The climber searched for a crevice to grip as he moved up the cliff.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- crevicenoun
Forms
- crevicespluralnoun