crater

[ˈkɹeɪ.tə(ɹ)]

[ˈkɹeɪ.tɚ]

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A crater is a hole in the ground that's formed by an explosion or a crash. It can also be a dent in something.

When we talk about craters, most of the time we think about big holes on other planets like Mars and the moon. These craters were made by massive rocks from space that crashed into the surface, leaving behind huge depressions. Imagine being an astronaut walking on the moon and looking down at one of these massive holes - it's a pretty incredible sight! But back here on Earth, we can also talk about small craters that might form when a car or a plane crashes, leaving behind a damaged area.

How common is "crater"?

Word crater is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in magazine texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

noun

A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.
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.
The pit left by the explosion of a mine or bomb.
(by extension) Any large, roughly circular depression or hole.

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astrobleme

verb

To form craters in a surface (of a planet or moon).
To collapse catastrophically; to become devastated or completely destroyed.
To crash or fall.
Example: He cratered into that snow bank about five seconds after his first lesson.

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hollow outimplode