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

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

Their bones do not undergo the cavitation necessary for synovial joints until later stages of development. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025

While embryos that were not paralyzed continued with the cavitation process, cavitated joints did not form in those that were paralyzed. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025

At that speed, cavitation beneath the water begins to slow down any hull, and with no motor to push it through, the hull design is critical for moving beyond that hump. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 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