crater

¹cra·ter

noun \ˈkrā-tər\

Definition of CRATER

1

a : the bowl-shaped depression around the orifice of a volcano b : a depression formed by an impact (as of a meteorite) c : a hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or shell

2

: an eroded lesion

3

: a dimple in a painted surface

— cra·ter·like \ˈkrā-tər-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of CRATER

1. Scientists believe the enormous crater was created by the impact of a meteorite thousands of years ago.
2. We flew over the crater of the volcano in a helicopter.

Origin of CRATER

Latin, mixing bowl, crater, from Greek kratēr, from kerannynai to mix; akin to Sanskrit śrīṇāti he mixes

First Known Use: 1613

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with CRATER

baiter, cater, dater, faitour, gaiter, gator, grater, hater, krater, later, mater, plaiter, plater, prater, rater, satyr, skater, slater, stater, stator, tater, traitor, waiter