Rarefaction - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Rarefaction is the reduction in density or pressure of a substance, such as air or a gas, often creating a thinning or spreading out of its particles. It is the opposite of compression.
Definition:
The process of becoming less dense or reducing in pressure, often in gases or sound waves.
Synonyms:
thinning, attenuation, dilution, dispersion
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
compression, densification
Common Collocations:
sound rarefaction, air rarefaction, wave rarefaction
Derivatives:
rarefy, rarefied
Usage Tips:
Use "rarefaction" to describe thinning in gases or sound waves; avoid for solids or liquids unless context supports it.
Common Phrases:
rarefaction wave, zone of rarefaction, atmospheric rarefaction
Etymology:
From Latin "rarefacere," meaning "to make thin," combining "rarus" (thin) and "facere" (to make).
Examples:
- 1. The scientist explained the concept of rarefaction in sound waves clearly.
- 2. During the experiment, we observed the rarefaction of air inside the vacuum chamber.
- 3. Rarefaction occurs when a gas expands and its particles spread apart.
- 4. The diver experienced discomfort due to the rarefaction of oxygen at high altitudes.