Where does “chasm” come from?

Chasm comes from Latin chasma, from Ancient Greek χάσμα, a noun formed with the suffix -μα from Proto-Indo-European -mn̥.

chasm (English): A deep, steep-sided rift, gap or fissure; a gorge...

Definitions

  1. A deep, steep-sided rift, gap or fissure; a gorge...

Ancestry of “chasm”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1LatinchasmaA chasm, abyss; A kind of meteor
2Ancient Greekχάσμαhollow, chasm, gulf; open mouth; space, expanse
3Ancient Greekχάσκωto yawn, gape, open wide; to speak with open...
4Proto-Indo-Europeanǵʰeh₂-to yawn; to gape; yawn

Words derived from “chasm”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰeh₂- →Every word from Ancient Greek χάσκω →Every word from Ancient Greek χάσμα →