cavitation

American  

[kav-i-tay-shuhn] / ˌkæv ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in a flowing liquid in regions of very low pressure, a frequent cause of structural damage to propellers, pumps, etc.

2. such a pocket formed in a flowing liquid.

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cavitation British  

/ ˌkævɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the formation of vapour- or gas-filled cavities in a flowing liquid when tensile stress is superimposed on the ambient pressure

2. the formation of cavities in a structure

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cavitation Scientific  

/ kăv′ĭ-tā′shən /

1. The formation of bubblelike gaps in a liquid. Mechanical forces, such as the moving blades of a ship's propeller or sudden negative changes in pressure, can cause cavitation.

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Etymology

Origin of cavitation

First recorded in 1890–95; cavit(y) + -ation

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cavitation

Nagarajan said they have had positive results: "We've seen up to 20% degradation in terms of toxins and we've also seen a lot of the algal cells being destroyed because of the effect of cavitation."

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

Those issues include problems with the four tubes such as sedimentation and cavitation — when tiny air bubbles develop while water passes through plumbing.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 16, 2024

Under certain flow conditions, cavitation can pit and tear into metal, damaging the infrastructure.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2024

Their cavitation approach may be particularly conducing to DNA vaccines that are currently difficult to deliver.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 4, 2023

He peered back toward the ship, floating up into grayness, the cavitation of her wake stirring the snow into patterns like fine-veined marble.

From Blind Man's Lantern by George Luther Schelling

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