An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A small depression on the surface of a → meteorite, more particularly on iron meteorites. These indentations result from the erosion of areas on the → meteoroid as material is ablated on its passage through the atmosphere.

Etymology (EN): From N.L., from Gk. rhegma “fracture, break” + Gk. glypt combining form of glyphein “to hollow out, carve, engrave.”

Etymology (PE): Câluk “small hole” (Tabari), from câl, câlé “hole,” from câh “a well, pit” (Mid.Pers. câh “a well;”
Av. cāt- “a well,” from kan- “to dig,” uskən- “to dig out”
(O.Pers. kan- “to dig,” akaniya- “it was dug;” Mod.Pers.
kandan “to dig”); cf. Skt. khan- “to dig,” khanati “he digs,” kha- “cavity, hollow, cave, aperture”) + -uk, variant -u, a suffix of diminutive or attribution.