cavitation
noun
cav·i·ta·tion
ˌka-və-ˈtā-shən 
: the process of cavitating: such as
a
: the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (such as a propeller) or by high-intensity sound waves
also
: the pitting and wearing away of solid surfaces (as of metal or concrete) as a result of the collapse of these vacuums in surrounding liquid
b
: the formation of cavities in an organ or tissue especially in disease
Examples of cavitation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One intriguing technology listed involves detecting hydrogen released through cavitation bubbles.
—
Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023
The amount of cavitation is related to the speed of the object.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023
When ships go at higher speeds of around 18 knots, McGuire said propeller cavitation – when vapor bubbles form and dissolve, inhibiting performance and creating noise - is the predominant audible sound source.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2023
Because of these limitations, cavitation curtains are unlikely to be used in the near future.
—Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2023
Harrison and Patek found that even at millimeter-size scales, the juvenile snapping shrimp could snap their claws fast enough to produce cavitation and that those with larger claws could generate cavitation bubbles that lasted longer and traveled farther than shrimp with smaller claws.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2023
Experts aren't sure about the long-term effects of heated tissues or cavitation, especially when not medically indicated.
—Tricia O'Brien, Parents, 11 July 2023
The risk of cavitation can be minimized through proper design of the propeller or impeller, but there are trade-offs that can reduce overall ship performance and speed.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023
Dive Deeper ⬇️ Another issue with conventional mechanical propulsion is cavitation.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023
Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023
The amount of cavitation is related to the speed of the object.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023
When ships go at higher speeds of around 18 knots, McGuire said propeller cavitation – when vapor bubbles form and dissolve, inhibiting performance and creating noise - is the predominant audible sound source.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2023
Because of these limitations, cavitation curtains are unlikely to be used in the near future.
—Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2023
Harrison and Patek found that even at millimeter-size scales, the juvenile snapping shrimp could snap their claws fast enough to produce cavitation and that those with larger claws could generate cavitation bubbles that lasted longer and traveled farther than shrimp with smaller claws.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2023
Experts aren't sure about the long-term effects of heated tissues or cavitation, especially when not medically indicated.
—Tricia O'Brien, Parents, 11 July 2023
The risk of cavitation can be minimized through proper design of the propeller or impeller, but there are trade-offs that can reduce overall ship performance and speed.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023
Dive Deeper ⬇️ Another issue with conventional mechanical propulsion is cavitation.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cavitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cavitation
Cite this Entry
“Cavitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavitation. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cavitation
noun
cav·i·ta·tion
ˌkav-ə-ˈtā-shən
: the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (as a propeller) or by high-frequency sound waves
Medical Definition
cavitation
noun
cav·i·ta·tion
ˌkav-ə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the process of cavitating
especially
: the formation of cavities in an organ or tissue especially in disease
2
: a cavity formed by cavitation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share