Rarefaction
/ˌrɛərɪˈfækʃən/noun
The process of becoming less dense, especially when particles spread farther apart in a gas or medium.
Did you know?In acoustics, rarefaction is the low-pressure phase of a sound wave, alternating with compression as sound travels through air.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
rarus
“Thinly distributed, sparse, or uncommon”
Classical Latin
Latin
facere
“To make or do”
Late Latin
Latin
rarefacere
“To make thin or less dense”
Medieval Latin
Latin
rarefactio
“The process of making something less dense”
15th Century
English
rarefaction
“The act or process of making rare, thin, or less dense”
Modern English
English
rarefaction
“A decrease in density, especially in a gas or sound wave”