devitrify

[ dee-vi-truh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, de·vit·ri·fied, de·vit·ri·fy·ing.

1. Chemistry. to deprive, wholly or partly, of vitreous character or properties.

verb (used without object)

, de·vit·ri·fied, de·vit·ri·fy·ing.

1. Petrology. (of a volcanic rock or particle) to undergo a change in texture from glassy to crystalline.

devitrify

/ diːˈvɪtrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to change from a vitreous state to a crystalline state
2. to lose or cause to lose the properties of a glass and become brittle and opaque

Derived Forms

• deˌvitrifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• de·vitri·fia·ble adjective
• de·vitri·fi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devitrify¹

First recorded in 1825–35; de- + vitrify

Example Sentences

Bad soda-glass or that which has been kept for many years, tends to devitrify when worked.

From Project Gutenberg

It was mentioned in the last chapter that a glaze free from alumina will devitrify or become dull.

From Project Gutenberg

If either of these precautions are neglected most glass will devitrify badly.

From Project Gutenberg

Good glass does not readily devitrify when held in the blow-pipe flame.

From Project Gutenberg

Hard glass, which contains much calcium, is more apt to devitrify than the more fusible varieties.

From Project Gutenberg