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Definition of crevasse

crevasse

/krɪˈvæs/
cre · vasse
Plural:crevasses
•
Adjective:crevassed
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crevasse Lexical Profile

crevasse Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A deep, wedge-shaped open crack or fracture in a glacier or ice sheet, formed by the stress of the ice moving over uneven terrain.

Example

"The mountaineers used aluminum ladders and ropes to safely cross the wide crevasse on the glacier."

2

American A breach or break in the levee or embankment of a river, allowing floodwaters to pour through.

Example

"Engineers worked through the night to reinforce the riverbank and prevent a catastrophic crevasse in the levee."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for crevasse

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'crevasse' with 'crevice': a 'crevasse' is a massive, deep chasm—especially in a glacier—whereas a 'crevice' is a narrow crack or cleft in rock or a wall.

• Rhymes for crevasse

• Nearby Words

crete
cretin
cretinous
crevasse
crevassed
crevice
creviced

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from French 'crevasse', from Old French 'crevace', ultimately derived from Latin 'crepare' meaning 'to crack, burst, or rattle'. It is a doublet of 'crevice', which entered English earlier via Anglo-Norman.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crevasse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crevasse
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