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

See Examples For:

regelation

“Has the theory of regelation been put to the proof?” asked Lewis, with a degree of interest in glaciers which he had never before felt.

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

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

It was moist and soft, in fact in a condition altogether favourable for the "regelation" of its granules.

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

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