First Known Use: 1613
Dictionary
1crater
noun cra·ter \ˈkrā-tər\
: a large round hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or by something falling from the sky
: the area on top of a volcano that is shaped like a bowl
Full Definition of CRATER
1
a : the bowl-shaped depression around the orifice of a volcano b : a depression formed by an impact (as of a meteorite) c : a hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or shell
2
: an eroded lesion
3
: a dimple in a painted surface
— cra·ter·like \ˈkrā-tər-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of CRATER
Latin, mixing bowl, crater, from Greek kratēr, from kerannynai to mix; akin to Sanskrit śrīṇāti he mixes
Other Geology Terms
2crater
verb
: to fail or fall suddenly
Full Definition of CRATER
intransitive verb
1
: to exhibit or form craters
2
transitive verb
: to form craters in
See crater defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CRATER
1884
Related to CRATER
3crater
Definition of CRATER
variant of krater
CRATERLIKE Defined for Kids
crater
noun cra·ter \ˈkrā-tər\
Definition of CRATER for Kids
1
: the area around the opening of a volcano or geyser that is shaped like a bowl
2
: a hole (as in the surface of the earth or moon) formed by an impact (as of a meteorite)
Medical Dictionary
crater
noun cra·ter \ˈkrāt-ər\
Medical Definition of CRATER
: an eroded lesion of a wall or surface <ulcer craters>
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