rarefaction

rar·e·fac·tion

noun \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-n^əl\ adjective

Origin of RAREFACTION

French or Medieval Latin; French raréfaction, from Medieval Latin rarefaction-, rarefactio, from Latin rarefacere to rarefy

First Known Use: 1572

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