[in-tur-stis] 
[-stuh-seez, -stuh-siz] . | 1. | an intervening space. |
| 2. | a small or narrow space or interval between things or parts, esp. when one of a series of alternating uniform spaces and parts: the interstices between the slats of a fence. |
| 3. | Roman Catholic Church. the interval of time that must elapse, as required by canon law, before promotion to a higher degree of orders. |
| 4. | an interval of time. |
| in·ter·stice (ĭn-tûr'stĭs) n. pl. in·ter·stic·es (-stĭ-sēz', -sĭz) A space, especially a small or narrow one, between things or parts: "There is a gleam of luminous gold, where the sinking western sun has found a first direct interstice in the clouds" (John Fowles). [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin interstitium, from *interstitus, past participle of intersistere, to pause, make a break : inter-, inter- + sistere, to cause to stand, set up; see stā- in Indo-European roots.] |
interstice in·ter·stice (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.