indentation

Plural: indentations

Noun

• a concave cut into a surface or edge (as in a coastline)
• the formation of small pits in a surface as a consequence of corrosion
• the space left between the margin and the start of an indented line
• the act of cutting into an edge with toothlike notches or angular incisions
• The act of indenting or state of being indented.
• A notch or recess, in the margin or border of anything.
• A recess or sharp depression in any surface.
• The act of beginning a line or series of lines at a little distance within the flush line of the column or page, as in the common way of beginning the first line of a paragraph.
• A measure of the distance from the flush line.
• A division unit of a piece of law distinguished by its indentation or by a dash.

Examples

• an indentation of one em
• indentations of the coast
• the indentations of a leaf

Synonyms

indent, indention, indenture, pitting, roughness

Antonyms

protrusion