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
Another interesting area of study could be cavitation from boat or submarine propellers, pumps, and some sonar systems.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
HistoSonics uses noninvasive, focused ultrasound to create cavitation bubbles that destroy tumors without dangerously heating surrounding tissue.
—Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Jan. 2026
The actress that the video was taken after her third attempt at addressing a root cavitation.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Hydrofoils, according to the team, aren't suitable for this gig, since the low-pressure zone caused by these underwater wings causes water to boil into vapor at high speeds in a process called cavitation, causing dangerous levels of drag and instability at speeds over about 60 mph (~100 km/h).
—New Atlas, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cavitation
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Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
HistoSonics uses noninvasive, focused ultrasound to create cavitation bubbles that destroy tumors without dangerously heating surrounding tissue.
—Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Jan. 2026
The actress that the video was taken after her third attempt at addressing a root cavitation.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Hydrofoils, according to the team, aren't suitable for this gig, since the low-pressure zone caused by these underwater wings causes water to boil into vapor at high speeds in a process called cavitation, causing dangerous levels of drag and instability at speeds over about 60 mph (~100 km/h).
—New Atlas, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cavitation
Cite this Entry
“Cavitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavitation. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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
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