First Known Use: 1572
Dictionary
rarefaction
noun rar·e·fac·tion \ˌrer-ə-ˈfak-shən\
Definition of RAREFACTION
1
: the action or process of rarefying
2
: the quality or state of being rarefied
3
: a state or region of minimum pressure in a medium traversed by compressional waves (as sound waves)
— rar·e·fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
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Origin of RAREFACTION
French or Medieval Latin; French raréfaction, from Medieval Latin rarefaction-, rarefactio, from Latin rarefacere to rarefy
Rhymes with RAREFACTION
abreaction, benefaction, chain reaction, common fraction, complex fraction, counteraction, dark reaction, direct action, interaction, liquefaction, malefaction, overaction, petrifaction, police action, proper fraction, putrefaction, retroaction, satisfaction, simple fraction, single-action, stupefaction, tumefaction
Medical Dictionary
rarefaction
noun rar·e·fac·tion \ˌrar-ə-ˈfak-shən, ˌrer-\
Medical Definition of RAREFACTION
1
: the action or process of rarefying
2
: the quality or state of being rarefied; especially : an increase in porosity <areas of rarefaction in the bones>
3
: a state or region of minimum pressure in a medium transversed by compressional waves (as sound waves) <the eardrum vibrates according to the compressions and rarefactions of the sound wave>
—rar·e·fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adjective
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