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rift1 definition

rift (rift)

noun

  1. an opening caused by or as if by splitting; cleft; fissure
  2. an open break in a previously friendly relationship
  3. Geol. a large fault along which movement was mainly lateral

Etymology: ME < Dan, fissure < rive, to tear < ON rifa: see rive

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to burst open; split
rift2 definition

☆ rift (rift)

noun

a shallow, often rocky place in a stream, forming rapids

Etymology: ? var. of obs. riff, altered < reef

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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