fissure
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfɪʃər/
KK: /ˈfɪʃər/
noun
Definition
A long, narrow opening or crack in a surface, often indicating a division or separation.
Example
The earthquake caused a fissure in the ground that was several feet deep.
Conversation
Have you seen the fissure in the sidewalk by the park?
Yeah, I noticed it last week; it seems to be getting bigger.
I wonder how long it'll take for them to fix that fissure.
Hopefully soon, it can be a tripping hazard for people walking by.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
crack
cleft
split
Antonyms
closure
unity
solidarity
transitive verb
Definition
To create a narrow opening or crack in something.
Example
The earthquake fissured the ground, creating deep cracks.
Tense Forms
Past: fissured
Past Participle: fissured
Conversation
I noticed a small crack in the wall; do you think it could fissure more over time?
It's possible, especially if there's moisture involved.
I should probably get it checked before it gets worse and really fissure the structure.
Root Explanation
Fissure → It is formed from "fiss-" (from Latin "fissura", meaning a cleft or split) and the suffix "-ure" (indicating a process or result). The word "fissure" refers to the result of something being split or cleft.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'split' or 'cleft' ('fiss-') that results in a gap or opening ('-ure'). This helps you remember that a fissure is a crack or split.
Visually Confused Words
frisure
issue
subfissure
scissure