crater

Pronunciation

• (UK)
  • IPA ^(key): /ˈkreɪ.tə(r)/
  • SAMPA: /"kreI.t@(r)/
• (US)
  • IPA ^(key): /ˈkreɪ.tɚ/
  • SAMPA: /"kreI.t@`/

• Audio (RP)

  (file)

Noun

Singular crater

Plural craters

1. (astronomy) A crater is a circular hole in the ground that is created by the impact of a meteorite or other such object.

   This crater was caused by 1768 Hughes, a small asteroid.

2. (geology) A crater is the opening or mouth of a volcano where the main eruption takes place.

Verb

Plain form crater

Third-person singular craters

Past tense cratered

Past participle cratered

Present participle cratering

1. If something craters, it collapses; it hollows out or becomes devastated or completely destroyed.

   The economy is about to crater.