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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 notes

In plain EnglishA crack or split — literal (in rock, skin, or earth) or figurative (a rift between people).

Common pairings
a deep fissure anal fissure fissure in the rock

Word forms

fissured past tense, fissures plural, fissures singular

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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."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for fissure

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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.

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