rarefaction

[ rair-uh-fak-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of rarefying.
2. the state of being rarefied. rarefy.

rarefaction

/ ˌrɛərɪˈfækʃən; ˌrɛərɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of making less dense or the state of being less dense

rarefaction

/ râr′ə-făk′shən /

1. A decrease in density and pressure in a medium, such as air, especially when caused by the passage of a wave, such as a sound wave.
2. The region in which this occurs.

Derived Forms

• ˌrareˈfactional, adjective

Other Words From

• rare·faction·al adjective
• rar·e·fac·tive [rair-, uh, -, fak, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefaction¹

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin rārēfactiōn- (stem of rārēfactiō ), equivalent to Latin rārēfact ( us ) (past participle of rārēfacere; rarefy ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

He spoke in honeymoon whispers; but the rarefaction of the air was such that every word was audible.

From Project Gutenberg

This condition of a greater separation of the turns of the spring than usual is called a rarefaction.

From Project Gutenberg

A complete wave consisting of a condensation and a rarefaction is represented by that portion of the curve A-C.

From Project Gutenberg

So that if in this condensation any one affirmeth there is also some rarefaction, experience may assert it.

From Project Gutenberg

The rarefaction of the air and the rays of tile sun increased the dilatation of the gas; the balloon continued to ascend!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gap
• void