Canyon vs. Chasm — What's the Difference?

A canyon (from Spanish: cañón; archaic British English spelling: cañon) or gorge is a deep cleft between escarpments or cliffs resulting from weathering and the erosive activity of a river over geologic time scales. Rivers have a natural tendency to cut through underlying surfaces, eventually wearing away rock layers as sediments are removed downstream.

A deep fissure in the earth's surface

A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it, as found in North America

A deep, steep-sided opening in the earth's surface; an abyss or gorge.

A narrow chasm with steep cliff walls, cut into the earth by running water; a gorge.

A sudden interruption of continuity; a gap.

A valley, especially a long, narrow, steep valley, cut in rock by a river.

A pronounced difference of opinion, interests, or loyalty.

The English form of the Spanish word Cañon.

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

A ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall

(by extension) A large difference of opinion.

A deep opening made by disruption, as a breach in the earth or a rock; a yawning abyss; a cleft; a fissure.

A void space; a gap or break, as in ranks of men.

A deep opening in the earth's surface