Interworld

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Situated, occurring, or existing between different worlds, dimensions, or realms of existence
2. Describing something that lies between or links separate worlds, such as a space or passage connecting realms
3. Relating to the region or space that exists in the gap between distinct worlds or universes

Etymology: "Interworld" is built from two plain English parts: the Latin prefix "inter-", meaning "between" or "among", and "world". Put together, they give the sense of something lying between worlds or realms, which is exactly how it is used as both an adjective and a noun. The word is a transparent compound, so there is no hidden turn of meaning to uncover. "Inter-" appears in many English words such as "international" and "intercontinental", where it likewise means between two or more things. Attaching it to "world" simply sets up a space that is neither one world nor another, a sense that suits fantasy and science fiction writing, where it often names a liminal realm that travellers pass through.