liquefaction

noun

liq·​ue·​fac·​tion ˌli-kwə-ˈfak-shən 

1

: the process of making or becoming liquid

2

: the state of being liquid

3

: conversion of soil into a fluidlike mass during an earthquake or other seismic event

Examples of liquefaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At its center is a giant liquefaction plant, fed by two pipelines that carry gas from up to 15 miles away. —Ricky Carioti, Washington Post, 5 July 2024

The pilings, which stabilize storage and liquefaction tanks, must reach below wet sediments. —Ricky Carioti, Washington Post, 5 July 2024

Thirteen buildings that are not retrofitted are also in liquefaction zones, areas where the ground can break during an earthquake. —Sandhya Kambhampati, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024

The Tasi Mane Project includes the construction of a supply base, refinery, and natural gas liquefaction plant, as well as a seaport and three regional airports, the first of which will be ready in 2016. —Agio Pereira, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2014

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin liquefaction-, liquefactio, from Latin liquefacere, from liquēre to be fluid + facere to make — more at do

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

liquefaction

noun

liq·​ue·​fac·​tion ˌlik-wə-ˈfak-shən 

1

: the process of making or becoming liquid

2

: the state of being liquid