# fissure

/ˈfɪʃɝ/ (US) · /fˈɪʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fissure
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a narrow crack or opening in a surface. In the body, it is a small gap between two parts of a muscle or skin.

For teachers: a narrow crack or opening in a surface; in anatomical contexts, a small gap between two parts of a muscle or skin.

## Examples

- A small fissure appeared in the dry earth.
- The surgeon carefully examined the fissure between the two layers of skin to ensure the wound was healing correctly.
- Geologists studied the deep fissure in the canyon wall to understand how the tectonic plates had shifted over millions of years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.