First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
interstice
noun in·ter·stice \in-ˈtər-stəs\
: a small space that lies between things : a small break or gap in something
plural in·ter·stic·es\-stə-ˌsēz, -stə-səz\
Full Definition of INTERSTICE
1
a : a space that intervenes between things; especially : one between closely spaced things <interstices of a wall> b : a gap or break in something generally continuous <the interstices of society> <passages of genuine literary merit in the interstices of the ludicrous … plots — Joyce Carol Oates>
2
: a short space of time between events
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Origin of INTERSTICE
Middle English, from Latin interstitium, from inter- + -stit-, -stes standing (as in superstes standing over) — more at superstition
Related to INTERSTICE
- Synonyms
- discontinuity, hiatus, hiccup (also hiccough), interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, gap, interval, parenthesis
- Antonyms
- continuation, continuity
Medical Dictionary
interstice
noun in·ter·stice \in-ˈtər-stəs\
plural in·ter·stic·es \-stə-ˌsēz, -stə-səz\
Medical Definition of INTERSTICE
: a space between closely spaced things (as teeth)
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