rarefy

[ rair-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, rar·e·fied, rar·e·fy·ing.

1. to make rare or rarer; make less dense:

   to rarefy a gas.

2. to make more refined, spiritual, or exalted.

verb (used without object)

, rar·e·fied, rar·e·fy·ing.

1. to become rare or less dense; become thinned:

   Moisture rarefies when heated.

rarefy

/ ˈrɛərɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become rarer or less dense; thin out

Derived Forms

• ˈrareˌfiable, adjective
• ˈrareˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• rare·fia·ble adjective
• rare·fier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rarefien, from Middle French rarefier, from Medieval Latin rārificāre, from Latin rārēfacere, equivalent to rārē-, irregular, unexplained combining form of rārus + facere “to make”; rare ¹, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefy¹

C14: from Old French raréfier , from Latin rārēfacere , from rārus rare ¹+ facere to make

Example Sentences

Would an atmosphere perfumed by these Eastern woods clarify and rarefy our denser Occidental minds?

From Project Gutenberg

But as such means are not at disposal, it becomes necessary to place the terminal in a bulb and rarefy the air in the same.

From Project Gutenberg

The hot air in the smoke flues will warm the separating brick partition, and consequently rarefy the air in the ventilating flue.

From Project Gutenberg

The rarefy of the atmosphere continued to affect the wood-work of the wagons, and the wheels were incessantly falling to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

But extend this vapour, rarefy it; from so narrow a room as our natural bodies, to any politic body, to a state.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• attenuate