Cra·ter (kr  t r)n. A constellation in the Southern Hemisphere near Hydra and Corvus. [Latin cr t r, mixing bowl, crater; see crater.] |
| cra·ter (krtr) n. 1. A bowl-shaped depression at the mouth of a volcano or geyser. 2. a. A bowl-shaped depression in a surface made by an explosion or the impact of a body, such as a meteoroid. b. A pit; a hollow. 3. Variant of krater. v. cra·tered, cra·ter·ing, cra·ters v.tr. To make craters in: "The missiles did not . . . crater the airfield" (Tom Clancy). v.intr. 1. To form a crater or craters. 2. Slang a. To fall and crash violently from a great height. b. To fail utterly: "talked about how tough times were in Texas since the oil business cratered" (Stephen Coonts). [Latin cr tr, from Greek krtr, mixing vessel; see ker- in Indo-European roots.] |
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