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

But the plays take place between these shattering events, in the interstices of the drama, where time quietly registers its ultimate authorial presence.

From Los Angeles Times

On the roof, a 28½-foot travertine bench is installed along one side of a long pool that’s horizontally bisected by five thick concrete walls; Kalach, 63, calls the resulting interstices “cubicles.”

From New York Times

Price herself was well aware of racial interstices.

From New York Times

Today cornfields stretch to the horizon, but crowded into their interstices are fragments of the prairie that once covered this part of the state.

From Scientific American

Given how much executive authority lies tucked away in the interstices of federal law, just waiting to be exploited, it’s remarkable that presidents have not abused it more blatantly.

From Washington Post