regelation

American  

[ree-juh-ley-shuhn] / ˌri dʒəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

Physics.

1. a phenomenon in which the freezing point of water is lowered by the application of pressure; the melting and refreezing of ice, at constant temperature, caused by varying the pressure.

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regelation British  

/ ˌriːdʒɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the rejoining together of two pieces of ice as a result of melting under pressure at the interface between them and subsequent refreezing

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Etymology

Origin of regelation

First recorded in 1855–60; re- + gelation ¹

Example Sentences

Then again, what I have described as 'intrusive layers of blue ice' was a remarkable feature; one could imagine that these layers represent surfaces which have been transformed by regelation under hot sun and wind.

From Scott's Last Expedition Volume I by Scott, Robert Falcon

But this theory of regelation, although unquestionably true, and although it exercises some influence on glacier motion, does not, in my opinion, alone account for it.

From Rivers of Ice by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

I question, however, the statement, that regelation takes place by the freezing of a film of water between the fragments.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 74, December, 1863 by Various

Indeed, it was new welded by regelation since the sun’s rays had disappeared.

From The Silent Barrier by Tracy, Louis

Although the effect of pressure is so small, it produces, as is well known, remarkable results in the motion of glaciers, the moulding and regelation of ice, and many other phenomena.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various