chasm Copy link Outline 1. hĭātus, ūs2. chasma, ătis, n.3. spĕcus, ūs • chasm: 1. hĭātus, ūs: the earth having opened he descended into the c., quum terra discessisset, in h. descendit, Cic.: Virg.: v. cleft. 2. chasma, ătis, n.: Sen. 3. spĕcus, ūs: the forum is said to have opened in a huge c., forum s. vasto collapsum dicitur, Liv. (v. cavern): in the next sentence Livy applies the term vorāgo to the same chasm or gulf (q. v.). Phr.: the earth opens in a c., terra discedit, dissilit: v. TO CLEAVE ASUNDER.