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

When the attachments of pressed ice are broken, the continuity of the mass is restored by the regelation of the new contiguous surfaces.

From The Glaciers of the Alps Being a narrative of excursions and ascents, etc. by Tyndall, John

There is nothing new in it, except a few additional pages about "regelation," and also "gravity."

From Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville by Somerville, Mary

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)

It is this same principle of regelation which enables men to cross snow bridges in safety.

From The Glaciers of the Alps Being a narrative of excursions and ascents, etc. by Tyndall, John