cranny
UK[ˈkræni]US[ˈkræni]
n
A small, narrow opening or crack, especially in a wall or rock.
Etymology
The word 'cranny' entered English from Old French, where it referred to a notch or fissure. Its ultimate origin is likely Gaulish, a Celtic language, suggesting a very old root describing a split or crack. The meaning has remained remarkably consistent from its ancient source, directly describing a physical gap or opening. This journey from a Celtic term through French into English illustrates how specific, concrete vocabulary for describing the physical world can be borrowed and preserved across languages.
Analysis
The word is a simplex. It is derived from Middle English crani, from Old French cran, cren (notch, fissure), which is of Gaulish origin.
Examples
A small plant was growing from a cranny in the ancient stone wall.
Sunlight filtered into the cave through a narrow cranny in the roof.
He searched every nook and cranny of the room but couldn't find the missing key.