chasm

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkaz(ə)m/

noun

  • a deep fissure in the earth’s surface: a chasm a mile long figurative he was engulfed in a chasm of despair
  • a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.: the chasm between rich and poor

Derivatives

chasmic

adjective ( rare)

Origin:

late 16th century (denoting an opening up of the sea or land, as in an earthquake): from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma 'gaping hollow'