liquefaction
American-
Chemistry The act or process of turning a gas into a liquid. Liquefaction is usually achieved by compression of vapors (provided the temperature of the gas is below the critical temperature), by refrigeration, or by adiabatic expansion.
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Geology The process by which sediment that is very wet starts to behave like a liquid. Liquefaction occurs because of the increased pore pressure and reduced effective stress between solid particles generated by the presence of liquid. It is often caused by severe shaking, especially that associated with earthquakes.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of liquefaction
1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin liquefactiōn- (stem of liquefactiō ) a melting, equivalent to Latin liquefact ( us ) (past participle of liquefacere to melt, liquefy ) + -iōn- -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The British energy major said it would build two additional liquefaction plants to double production capacity to 28 million metric tons a year as it bets on growing gas demand in Asia.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
Shell expects that significant investment in new LNG liquefaction plants will be needed, with around 200 million tons a year of new supply needed on top of projects already under construction.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Shell’s Groundbirch assets supply gas to the LNG Canada liquefaction operation, in which Shell owns a 40% stake, and to Canada’s domestic gas market.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
The recovery window is likely three to four years for Qatar’s liquefied-natural-gas trains — liquefaction units that produce LNG — which were damaged by Iranian attacks, she said.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 2, 2026
You wanted to dissect the animals quickly, before the spontaneous liquefaction began, because you can’t dissect gumbo.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
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