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 hidden violence of cavitation For a long time, computational models treated water droplets as simple, uniform spheres governed primarily by their outer surface tension. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

In his papers in the ’90s, Joseph predicted that cavitation would allow simple fluids to fracture. — Rohini Subrahmanyam, Quanta Magazine, 10 July 2026

Instead of relying on heat, the technology harnesses a phenomenon known as acoustic cavitation. — Javier Carbajal, Wired News, 20 June 2026

This generates a phenomenon called acoustic cavitation, in which microscopic bubbles quickly form and pop in the liquid. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 June 2026

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