chasm

A deep, steep-sided rift, gap or fissure; a gorge or abyss.

Noun

  1. A deep, steep-sided rift, gap or fissure; a gorge or abyss.
    • But always and ever there is a yawning chasm below[.] - 2019, Li Huang, James Lambert, “Another Arrow for the Quiver: A New Methodology for Multilingual Researchers”, in Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural...
  2. A large difference of opinion.
    • Chelsea may not have regarded themselves as title rivals to City over the whole season but this was a harrowing illustration of the current chasm between the two sides and made for disturbing viewing for the Italian. -...

Origin

From Latin chasma, from Ancient Greek χάσμα (khásma, “abyss, cleft”). Doublet of chasma. Compare schism. Displaced native Old English swelh and Old English elh.

Forms

chasms chasma

Derived

chasmal chasmatical chasmed chasmic chasmlike chasmophyte chasmous chasmy