Pronunciation: [fˈɪʃəd] (IPA) 
The word "fissured" is spelled with a double "s" to indicate the presence of a long "i" sound. The phonetic transcription for "fissured" is /fɪʃərd/. The first "s" in the word represents the "sh" sound, while the second "s" indicates the lengthened "i" sound. The word "fissure" is defined as a long, narrow crack or opening, and the adjective form "fissured" refers to something that has or appears to have such cracks or openings.
Fissured is an adjective that refers to something being characterized by or having deep cracks or furrows. The term typically describes the physical appearance or condition of an object, surface, or terrain that is marked by irregular or lengthy splits, breaks, or divisions. Fissures, in this context, can denote cracks or gaps that penetrate a material, substance, or structure.
In geology, fissured can describe the characteristic features of rocks or land formations that have been subjected to intense pressure, weathering, or tectonic forces, resulting in the development of long, deep cracks or crevices. For example, mountains or cliffs might exhibit a fissured appearance due to the natural processes of erosion over time.
The term also finds application in various contexts beyond geology. For instance, it can be used to describe a cracked or dry desert landscape with deep fissures in the ground. Similarly, it can be employed to portray aged or weathered structures, such as dilapidated walls or deteriorated pavements, that have developed significant fissures due to time, wear, or other factors.
Metaphorically, fissured can be used to describe a situation or relationship that is fraught with conflict, tension, or division, akin to the presence of deep cracks or fractures in a physical sense. Thus, the adjective may carry connotations of vulnerability, instability, or fragmentation.
Marked by or containing fissures, cracks, or clefts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Cracked; full of cracks.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word fissured comes from the Latin term fissura, which means a cleft, crack, or fissure. The word was derived from the Latin verb findere, which means to split or to cleave. Over time, this Latin root gave rise to the Old French word fendre, which also means to split, and eventually evolved into the English word fissure or fissured.
