interstice definition

Origin: L. Interstitium a pause, interval; inter between + sistere to set, fr. Stare to stand: cf. F. Interstice. See Stand.

1. That which intervenes between one thing and another; especially, a space between things closely set, or between the parts which compose a body; a narrow chink; a crack; a crevice; a hole; an interval; as, the interstices of a wall.

2. An interval of time; specifically, in the plural, the intervals which the canon law requires between the reception of the various degrees of orders. "Nonobservance of the interstices . . . Is a sin." (Addis & Arnold)

(01 Mar 1998)