Crater Meaning and Definition
Crater
Pronunciation
/ˈkweɪtər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A depression or hole in the Earth’s surface, often formed by volcanic activity or meteorite impacts, characterized by a raised rim and a flat or concave floor.
Examples
- The astronauts explored the vast crater on the moon’s surface.
- The car crashed into the crater and spun out of control.
Synonyms
- Crack
- Depression
- Impact site
Antonyms
- Elevation
- Mountain
Etymology
The word “crater” comes from the Greek word “cratchare” (κρατtero “to break” together with the suffix “-er”), referring to the hollow formed by a broken or cracked stone.
Usage Notes
When referring to the geological feature, use “crater” as a singular or plural noun. When referring to the lunar or planetary features, use “crater” as a singular or plural noun.
Cultural References
Craters feature prominently in science fiction and fantasy stories, such as NASA’s Moon Crater and Mars Crater on the TV series “Doctor Who.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Cratering” can mean to destroy or ruin something, while “crater face” is a colloquial term for acne scars.
Related Words or Phrases
- Impact
- Explosion
- Volcano
Collocations
- Crater lake
- Crater rim
- Crater floor
Frequency of Use
“Crater” is a relatively uncommon word in everyday language but is often used in specialized contexts such as geology, astronomy, and science fiction.
Common Misspellings
- Cratur
- CRATER