gap

gap [ gæp ] noun count ***

1. ) a space or opening in the middle of something or between things:

Fill in any gaps around windows and doors.

gap between: Through the gaps between the trees I could see a river in the distance.

gap in: We waited for a gap in the busy traffic and crossed the street.

a ) a low area between mountains that people use to cross them:

The more southerly route lay across a gap in the mountains.

2. ) gap in something missing from a situation or a system that prevents it from being complete or perfect:

We will then carry out research to fill in the gaps in our knowledge.

His death leaves a huge gap in the theatrical life of New York.

3. ) a large difference between things or groups:

The president is concerned about the gaps in health coverage that exist for children.

gap between: The gap between farm incomes and land values is wider than ever.

close/narrow/reduce/bridge the gap: The book clearly bridges the gap between theory and practice.

4. ) a period of time in which something does not happen:

gap of: The second volume in the series came out after a gap of seven years.

a gap in the market

an opportunity to produce something that is not yet available but that people would like to have