crater
word
Definition
A large, bowl-shaped depression on the surface of a planet or moon, typically caused by a volcanic eruption or meteorite impact. Also used figuratively for any large hole.
Usage & Nuances
Can be used as a verb meaning 'to form a crater' or colloquially 'to crash/fail dramatically' (e.g., 'the stock price cratered'). Collocations: impact crater, volcanic crater, bomb crater, crater lake.
Example Sentences
The astronauts took photos of a large crater on the moon.
basic
The volcano has a deep crater at the top.
basic
The bomb left a huge crater in the road.
basic
We hiked up to the rim of the crater and peered into the emerald lake below.
natural
Tech stocks cratered after the earnings report disappointed investors.
natural
The meteorite left a crater the size of a football field in the Arizona desert.
natural