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crater

noun

/ˈkreɪ tər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of crater

A large, bowl-shaped cavity or depression typically found on the surface of a planet, moon, or celestial body.
"The impact of the asteroid created a massive crater in the desert."

Detailed meaning of crater

Craters are formed through the impact of meteoroids, asteroids, or comets colliding with the surface of the celestial object. The tremendous energy released upon impact creates an explosion, excavating material and leaving behind a distinctive crater. Craters can vary in size, from small impact marks to massive structures spanning several kilometers in diameter. They often have raised rims, sloping walls, and a central region known as the crater floor. Craters can provide valuable information about the geological history and composition of a celestial body, and they are important features studied in planetary science. On Earth, volcanic activity can also create craters, known as volcanic craters, which result from the eruption and subsequent collapse of volcanic material. Craters play a significant role in shaping the landscape of celestial objects and offer insights into the dynamic forces that have shaped the universe.

Example sentences containing crater

1. The moon's surface is dotted with countless craters from meteorite impacts.
2. The astronauts marveled at the size and depth of the massive lunar crater.
3. The scientists conducted research in the volcanic crater to study its unique ecosystem.
4. The hikers reached the summit and gazed down into the breathtaking crater of the volcano.
5. The rover explored the Martian crater, collecting data and analyzing rock samples.
6. The telescope captured detailed images of the crater on the distant planet.

History and etymology of crater

The noun 'crater,' referring to a large, bowl-shaped cavity or depression often found on the surface of celestial bodies like planets and moons, traces its etymology back to the ancient Greek word 'kratēr.' In ancient Greece, a 'kratēr' was a vessel used for mixing wine and water during communal drinking rituals. The term 'kratēr' was chosen to describe geological features because of the resemblance between the shape of these cavities and the shape of the mixing bowls. Over time, the word 'kratēr' evolved into 'crater' and began to be specifically associated with the depressions and cavities on the surfaces of celestial bodies, particularly those formed by the impact of meteorites or volcanic activity. This etymology reflects the ancient Greeks' penchant for drawing analogies between the natural world and human-made objects.

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Further usage examples of crater

1. The archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts buried deep within the buried crater.
2. The meteorite created a crater in the lake, causing a large splash and ripples.
3. The visitors stood at the edge of the meteor crater, amazed by its sheer size.
4. The impact of the comet created a massive crater, leaving a visible scar on the landscape.
5. The astronauts descended into the lunar crater, studying the geological features and collecting samples.
6. The lunar landscape is dotted with countless craters from asteroid impacts.
7. Scientists study Mars' Gale Crater in search of ancient signs of life.
8. The meteor created a massive crater upon impact with Earth.
9. Astronauts marveled at the vastness of the lunar crater.
10. A telescope revealed the intricate details of a distant planet's crater.
11. The asteroid left a deep crater on the asteroid's surface.
12. The spacecraft landed safely in the Martian crater.
13. The lunar crater's shadows hid mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
14. A volcanic eruption formed a new crater on the island.
15. Geologists explored the enormous Yellowstone Caldera, a supervolcano crater.
16. The moon's Tycho Crater is famous for its striking rays.
17. The rover explored the Martian crater for signs of water.
18. A celestial collision left an enormous crater on Jupiter's surface.
19. The ancient impact crater held clues to Earth's geological history.
20. Astronomers discovered a distant exoplanet with a massive crater.
21. The spacecraft collected samples from the asteroid's surface crater.
22. The meteor impact created a crater lake in the desert.
23. The asteroid's impact created a crater that altered the landscape.
24. The asteroid narrowly missed Earth, leaving only a small crater.
25. Scientists theorize that a comet impact caused the dinosaur extinction crater.