chasm
[ kaz-uhm ]
noun
a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge.
a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
a marked interruption of continuity; gap: a chasm in time.
a sundering breach in relations, as a divergence of opinions, beliefs, etc., between persons or groups.
Origin of chasm
11590–1600; apocopated variant of chasma<Latin <Greek, equivalent to cha- (root of chaínein to gape; see yawn) + -(a)sma resultative suffix
Other words from chasm
- chasmal, chasmic, adjective
- chasmed, adjective
- chasmy, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for chasm
chasm
/ (ˈkæzəm) /
noun
a deep cleft in the ground; abyss
a break in continuity; gap
a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc
Origin of chasm
1C17: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape
Derived forms of chasm
- chasmal (ˈkæzməl) or chasmic, adjective
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
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