What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Crater vs Craterlet - What's the difference?

crater | craterlet |

As nouns the difference between crater and craterlet

is that crater is (astronomy) a hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object or crater can be (ireland|informal|uk|dialect) a term of endearment, a dote, a wretched thing while craterlet is a small crater.

As a verb crater

is to collapse catastrophically; implode; hollow out; to become devastated or completely destroyed.

crater

English

Etymology 1

First coined 1613, from (etyl) .

Noun

(en noun)
  • (astronomy) A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.
  • (geology) 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.
  • (informal) The pit left by the explosion of a mine or bomb.
  • (informal) Any large, roughly circular depression or hole.
    • Synonyms
    * (astronomy) astrobleme * (geology) caldera

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To collapse catastrophically; implode; hollow out; to become devastated or completely destroyed.
    • The economy is about to crater . -- Attributed by David Letterman to Sen. John McCain. NYTimes blog
  • (snowboarding) To crash or fall.
    • He cratered into that snow bank about five seconds after his first lesson.

    Etymology 2

    Possibly a diminutive of cratur (dialect form of creature ).

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (Ireland, informal, UK, dialect) A term of endearment, a dote, a wretched thing.
    • 1843' - I then had the two best tarriers beneath the canopy; this poor '''crater is their daughter," and he patted the dog's head affectionately.
    William Hamilton Maxwell, '' Wild Sports of the West: With Legendary Tales, and Local Sketches     , Publisher R. Bentley, page 77,
    1859' - She is a charming ' crater ; I would venture to say that, if I was not her father.
    The British Drama: A Collection of the Most Esteemed Tragedies, Comedies ...
    1872 (Thomas Hardy) "Under the Greenwood Tree"
    "Then why not stop for fellow-craters -- going to thy own father's house too, as we be, and knowen us so well?"
    Usage notes
    This term is still commonly used in speech but rarely appears in modern writing. (craterin)

    Anagrams

    * * ----

    craterlet

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A small crater.
  • A crater-like feature of a larger crater.