Interstice

Origin

From Old French interstice, from Latin interstitium

Full definition of interstice

Noun

1. A small opening or space between objects, especially adjacent objects or objects set closely together, as between cords in a rope or components of a multiconductor electrical cable or between atoms in a crystal.
2. An interval of time required by the Roman Catholic Church between the attainment of different degrees of an order.
3. By extension, a small interval of time free to be spent on activities other than one's primary goal.
4. Figuratively, a fragment of space
• 2013, Simon Jenkins, Gibraltar and the Falklands deny the logic of history (in The Guardian, 14 August 2013)http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/14/gibraltar-falklands-deny-logic-historyRelics of the British empire now mostly survive in the interstices of the global economy. They are the major winners from the fiscal haemorrhage that has resulted from financial globalisation.

Synonyms

• gap, chink, slit, crevice, cranny, crack, fissure

Derived terms

• interstitial