Crater

Definitions

1. A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.
2. A dim spring constellation of the northern sky, said to resemble a cup. It lies between the constellations Virgo and Hydra.
3. The basin-like opening or mouth of a volcano, through which the chief eruption comes; similarly, the mouth of a geyser, about which a cone of silica is often built up.
4. The pit left by the explosion of a mine or bomb.
5. Any large, roughly circular depression or hole.
   broadly, informal
6. Alternative spelling of krater (“vessel for mixing water and wine”).
   alt-of, alternative, historical

Equivalents

Examples

“But signalman Bridges was never to answer⟳ driver Gimbert's desperate question⟳. A deafening, massive blast blew the wagon to shreds, the 44 high-explosive bombs exploding like⟳ simultaneous hits from the aircraft they should have⟳ been dropped from. The station was instantly reduced to bits of debris, and the line to a huge crater.”

“The people of those parts lived in underground houses - more of dug-outs - along with their goats and sheep and they had great craters full of wine, barley-wine, that they drank through reeds.”

“I then had the two best tarriers beneath the canopy; this poor crater is their daughter," and he patted the dog's head affectionately.”

“She is a charming crater; I would venture to say⟳ that, if I was not her father.”

“‘Then why not stop⟳ for fellow-craters—going to thy own⟳ father’s house too, as we be, and knowen us so well?’”

CEFR level