caves
|caves|
/keɪv/
(cave)
hollow space
Etymology
'cave' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cavus', where 'cavus' meant 'hollow'.
'cave' changed from Vulgar Latin/Latin 'cava'/'cavus' into Old French 'cave' and entered Middle English as 'cave', eventually becoming the modern English word 'cave'.
Initially, it meant 'a hollow', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a natural underground chamber or large hollow in rock'; the verbal sense 'to cave (in)' developed from the notion of collapsing into a hollow.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'cave': a natural underground hollow or large chamber in rock, often formed by erosion.
The explorers spent the afternoon examining several caves along the coastline.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'cave': (1) to collapse inward or give way (often used with 'in' as 'cave in'); (2) to give in or yield under pressure.
If the old beam weakens further, the ceiling often caves in.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/29 06:40