cavitation

American  

[kav-i-tey-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

Example Sentences

The agency said this maintenance work, expected to take about a year, will not prevent the risk of additional “cavitation” when reservoir levels are low — which refers to the formation and collapse of air bubbles in flowing water, and which can pit and tear into metal, damaging infrastructure.

From Los Angeles Times

Cavitation can cause tears in metal and other mechanical damage.

From Seattle Times

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

She said officials found sediment, “thinning in the pipes” and “cavitation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cavitation refers to the formation and collapse of air bubbles in flowing water and is known to damage propellers, pumps and other structures.

From Los Angeles Times