n. & v.
--n.
1. a a crack or split in an object. b an opening in a cloud etc.
2 a cleft or fissure in earth or rock.
3 a disagreement; a breach in friendly relations.
--v.tr. tear or burst apart.
Phrases and idioms:
rift-valley a steep-sided valley formed by subsidence of the earth's crust between nearly parallel faults.
Derivatives:
riftless adj. rifty adj.
Etymology: ME, of Scand. orig.