Definition of interstice
interstices
play \in-ˈtər-stə-ˌsēz, -stə-səz\1a : a space that intervenes between things; especially : one between closely spaced things interstices of a wallb : a gap or break in something generally continuous the interstices of society passages of genuine literary merit in the interstices of the ludicrous … plots — Joyce Carol Oates
2 : a short space of time between events
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Examples of interstice in a Sentence
there's an occasional interstice in the tedium, but most of the novel is boring
pesky weeds growing in the interstices between the flagstones
Recent Examples of interstice from the Web
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Her shapes intersect at awkward angles but often stop short of touching, exposing slivers and interstices of bare canvas that create a jangly autonomy of parts.
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Hassan Schroeder's duct tape metaphor is apt, because Perl is most at home in the interstices of other programs and systems –
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interstice'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
You don't need to read between the lines to understand the history of interstice; its etymology is plain to see. Interstice derives from the Latin interstitium, which is itself formed from the prefix inter-, meaning "between," and -stes, meaning "standing." Interstices are the cracks and crevices of life, and the word is often used for both the literal and figurative gaps of the world. In modern uses, interstice can even refer to gaps in time or to special niches in the larger expanse of something else. Evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould used it, for example, to comment, "Dinosaurs held sway for 100 million years while mammals, all the while, lived as small animals in the interstices of their world."
Origin and Etymology of interstice
Middle English, from Latin interstitium, from inter- + -stit-, -stes standing (as in superstes standing over) — more at superstition
INTERSTICE Defined for English Language Learners
interstice
playDefinition of interstice for English Language Learners
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: a small space that lies between things : a small break or gap in something
Medical Dictionary
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interstice Spanish Central: Translation of interstice Nglish: Translation of interstice for Spanish speakers
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