interstice

[ in-tur-stis ]

noun

, plural in·ter·stic·es [in-, tur, -st, uh, -seez, -st, uh, -siz].

1. an intervening space.
2. 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.

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.

interstice

/ ɪnˈtɜːstɪs /

noun

1. a minute opening or crevice between things
2. physics the space between adjacent atoms in a crystal lattice

interstice

/ ĭn-tûr′stĭs /

1. An opening or space, especially a small or narrow one between mineral grains in a rock or within sediments or soil.

Other Words From

• in·tersticed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interstice¹

1595–1605; < Latin interstitium, equivalent to interstit-, variant stem of intersistere to stand or put between + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of interstice¹

C17: from Latin interstitium interval, from intersistere, from inter- + sistere to stand

Example Sentences

There was only one crack, and that a very little one; nevertheless he worked his claws into the interstice and dug.

From Project Gutenberg

She threw on a heavy bathrobe and kept it on when she crept into the icy interstice between the all-too-snowy sheets.

From Project Gutenberg

I turn now to the literary work which filled every available interstice of time.

From Project Gutenberg

Wherever the eye found interstice between the fronds of spruce and hemlock the stars spangled the frosty blue.

From Project Gutenberg

He made a movement to close the door, but Marcos put his thickly booted foot in the interstice.

From Project Gutenberg