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

The idea was seen as an impossibility, Xu said, because scientists hadn’t yet figured out a way to precisely target a treatment area to control the process of cavitation. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025

Potential Risks and Dangers While neck cavitations can temporarily relieve pain or tension, there are potential risks. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 May 2025

Embryos of little skates were then studied to see when cavitation actually happened. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025

Potential Risks: Ultrasound waves have the potential to slightly heat tissue, in some cases causing small pockets of gas in tissues or fluids known as cavitation. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cavity + -ation

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cavitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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

cavitate

ˈkav-ə-ˌtāt 

verb

cavitated; cavitating