# diastema

> English word · Noun · IPA /daɪəˈstiːmə/

## Definitions
1. A gap or space between two adjacent teeth, especially the upper front incisors (in humans).
2. A gap between teeth of different types, e.g. incisors and molars, which is a feature of some rodents and ungulates.
3. Any abnormal space, fissure, or cleft in an organ or other part of the body.
4. The modified protoplasm at the equator of a cell, existing before mitotic division.

## Etymology
From Late Latin, from Ancient Greek διάστημα (diástēma, “interval, space between”). Compare diastasis.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/diastema