cavitation

[ kav-i-tey-shuhn ]

/ ˌkæv ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

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noun

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.

such a pocket formed in a flowing liquid.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of cavitation

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

Words nearby cavitation

cavie, cavil, Cavill, caving, cavitary, cavitation, Cavite, cavity, cavity block, cavity resonator, cavity wall

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cavitation in a sentence

Scientists call that process inertial cavitation, and it’s the same science that makes it possible for ultrasound to clean your jewelry.
Researchers are using gassy, explosive bacteria to destroy cancer cells|Rahul Rao|October 2, 2021|Popular-Science
Sometimes a strike can even produce sonoluminescence, whereby the cavitation bubbles produce a brief flash of light as they collapse.
There’s no place like the perfectly sized home for the mighty mantis shrimp|Jennifer Ouellette|October 29, 2020|Ars Technica
In marine engineering in slow-speed propellers (where cavitation does not come in) narrow blades are usually used.
The Theory and Practice of Model Aeroplaning|V. E. Johnson
The spec says quote shall be free from objectionable cavitation unquote.
Triplanetary|Edward Elmer Smith

Cavitation, Propeller—The tendency to produce a cavity in the air.
The Aeroplane Speaks|H. Barber

British Dictionary definitions for cavitation

cavitation

/ (ˌkævɪˈteɪʃən) /

noun

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

the formation of cavities in a structure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for cavitation

cavitation

[ kăv′ĭ-tā′shən ]

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.