Fissuring (/ˈfɪʃərɪŋ/) is spelled with two "s"s because it comes from the root word "fissure" (/ˈfɪʃər/), which is spelled with two "s"s. A fissure is a long, narrow opening or crack, often found in rocks or the earth's surface. Fissuring is the present participle form of the verb "fissure," meaning to create a fissure or to split apart. The pronunciation of the word includes a short "i" sound followed by the "sh" sound and a secondary stress on the second syllable.
Fissuring is a noun that refers to the act or process of creating, forming, or developing a long, narrow crack, groove, or split in something. It is derived from the verb "fissure," which means to crack open, split, or break apart. Fissuring commonly occurs in various natural and man-made structures, such as rocks, surfaces, soils, walls, and pavements.
In geology, fissuring refers to the formation of cracks or fissures in the Earth's crust due to tectonic plate movements or volcanic activity. These fissures can create openings through which magma, gases, or other geological substances may escape or infiltrate.
In medicine, fissuring refers to the development of deep cracks or splits in the skin, particularly in sensitive areas such as the lips, heels, or hands. This can occur due to various factors, including dryness, environmental conditions, or certain skin disorders.
In a figurative sense, fissuring can refer to a division or separation between different groups, parties, or opinions. It signifies a deepening or widening division, often with negative connotations, as it suggests a rupture or breakdown in relationships, unity, or cohesion.
Overall, fissuring encompasses the concept of the creation or occurrence of cracks, splits, or divisions, whether in physical structures, natural phenomena, human skin, or societal contexts.
The word "fissuring" comes from the verb "fissure". The etymology of "fissure" can be traced back to the Latin noun "fissura", which means "a cleft, crack, or fissure". The Latin word itself derives from the past participle of the verb "findere", meaning "to split or cleave". This Latin root is also related to other words in English such as "divide" and "definite", which share a similar idea of separation or splitting. Overall, the term "fissuring" describes the act or process of forming or causing a fissure, which refers to a narrow opening or crack.