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cracking
[ krak-ing ]
/ ˈkræk ɪŋ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
(in the distillation of petroleum or the like) the process of breaking down certain hydrocarbons into simpler ones of lower boiling points by means of excess heat, distillation under pressure, etc., in order to give a greater yield of low-boiling products than could be obtained by simple distillation.Compare catalytic cracking.
adverb
extremely; unusually: We saw a cracking good match at the stadium.
adjective Informal.
done with precision; smart: A cracking salute from the honor guard.
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Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Idioms about cracking
get cracking. crack (def. 54).
Words nearby cracking
Cracker State, cracket, crackhead, crackhouse, crackie, cracking, crackjaw, crackle, crackleware, crackling, crackly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use cracking in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cracking
cracking
/ (ˈkrækɪŋ) /
adjective
(prenominal) informal fast; vigorous (esp in the phrase a cracking pace)
get cracking informal to start doing something quickly or do something with increased speed
adverb, adjective
British informal first-class; excellenta cracking good match
noun
the process in which molecules are cracked, esp the oil-refining process in which heavy oils are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight by heat or catalysisSee also catalytic cracker
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for cracking
cracking
[ krăk′ĭng ]
The process of breaking down complex chemical compounds by heating them. Sometimes a catalyst is added to lower the amount of heat needed for the reaction. Cracking is used especially for breaking petroleum molecules into shorter molecules and to extract low-boiling fractions, such as gasoline, from petroleum. See also hydrocracking.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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