noun
C1
Advanced
fissure
FIHSH-uh
Fissure (noun) means a long, narrow crack or split, especially in rock, ground, or body tissue. Example: “A deep fissure had opened in the volcanic rock.”
noun
1
A long, narrow crack or split, especially in rock, ground, or body tissue.
"A deep fissure had opened in the volcanic rock."
"The dentist noticed a small fissure in the patient's gum."
2
A serious disagreement or split between people or groups.
"The scandal caused a fissure within the political party."
verb
1
To crack or split apart.
"The clay fissured as it dried in the sun."
How to use fissure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crack or split — literal (in rock, skin, or earth) or figurative (a rift between people).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a deep fissure
anal fissure
fissure in the rock
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like fissure.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- fissures
- Third person singular
- fissures
- Past tense
- fissured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A deep _____ had opened in the volcanic rock.
Etymology
From Latin fissura, "a cleft or crack," from findere, "to split" — related to "fission."
Related words
Rhymes for fissure
See all rhymes for fissure →Frequently asked questions
What does “fissure” mean?
The word “fissure” means a long, narrow crack or split, especially in rock, ground, or body tissue. In plain terms, a crack or split — literal (in rock, skin, or earth) or figurative (a rift between people).
How do you pronounce “fissure”?
“Fissure” is pronounced FIHSH-uh (/ˈfɪʃ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fissure” in a sentence?
Here is “fissure” used in a sentence: “A deep fissure had opened in the volcanic rock.”
What part of speech is “fissure”?
Depending on how it is used, “fissure” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fissure” come from?
The word “fissure” comes from Latin. From Latin fissura, "a cleft or crack," from findere, "to split" — related to "fission.".
How many meanings does “fissure” have?
“Fissure” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, narrow crack or split, especially in rock, ground, or body tissue.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include fissure:
