Crater

/ˈkreɪtə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A large, bowl-shaped cavity in the ground or on the surface of a planet or moon, typically formed by the impact of a meteorite or volcanic activity.

The Moon's surface is covered with craters created by countless meteor impacts over billions of years.

A depression or hole formed by an explosion.

The bombing left a massive crater in the middle of the once-bustling town.

The cavity or hollow formed at the summit of a volcano.

The hikers reached the rim of the volcano's crater after a challenging climb.

From Latin 'crater', meaning 'mixing bowl'.

crater lake

A lake formed in a volcanic crater.

crater analysis

The study of craters for geological research.

to crater

To fall sharply or to decline dramatically.

volcano

An opening in the Earth's crust from which lava, ash, and gases erupt.

impact

The striking of one body against another.

depression

A lower area on a surface.

To crater out

The plan to expand the business really cratered out after the bad news.

Cratered

His grades cratered after he stopped attending classes.