Crevass

/krɪˈvæs/ noun

Definition

An alternative or archaic spelling of crevasse; a deep crack or fissure, especially in a glacier or ice sheet.

Etymology

Variant spelling of crevasse, from French 'crevasser' meaning to crack or split. The '-ss' spelling appears in older English texts before standardization to '-sse' occurred.

Kelly Says

This older spelling shows how English hasn't always agreed on how to spell borrowed French words—'crevass' and 'crevasse' were used interchangeably until spelling became standardized in the 19th century.

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