crater

A large round hole made when something from space hits the ground.

• The rock left a huge crater.
• Several craters cover this part of the moon.
• Scientists measured the crater after the meteorite hit.

Similar words: impact pit

Common phrases: impact crater, lunar crater, deep crater

The large opening at the top of a volcano, where hot rock and gases come out.

• Smoke rose from the crater.
• We walked around the volcano’s crater.
• Hot water filled the crater of the geyser.

Common phrases: volcanic crater, crater rim, crater lake

To fail suddenly and badly, or lose almost all value or strength.

• Sales cratered last month.
• The company’s value cratered after the scandal.
• Could the whole economy crater this year?

Similar words: collapse, crash, plummet

Common phrases: crater overnight, sales crater, prices crater

To fall or hit something hard, especially while moving fast.

• He cratered on his first jump.
• My brother cratered into the snow beside me.
• She lost control and cratered at the bottom of the slope.

How to use it: crater into something (The skier cratered into a pile of snow.)

Similar words: crash, fall

Common phrases: crater into something, crater on landing