Coarsening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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coarsening
[ˈkɔːrsənɪŋ ]
Definitions
material science
Coarsening refers to the process by which small particles or grains grow larger at the expense of smaller ones. This phenomenon can occur in various material systems, such as metals or polymers, and is typically driven by thermodynamic factors. As the grains coarsen, the overall surface energy of the system may decrease, which is often favorable from a thermodynamic perspective. Coarsening is an important consideration in materials engineering as it can affect the mechanical properties and overall performance of materials.
Synonyms
enlargement, expansion, growth.
Examples of usage
- The coarsening of grain structures can lead to reduced strength.
- Researchers study the coarsening process to improve material sustainability.
- Coarsening can impact the electrical properties of certain materials.
process improvement
Coarsening, in a broader context, can refer to the act of making something coarser or less fine. This might apply to manufacturing or cooking processes where the granularity of a material or ingredient needs to be adjusted. Such modifications can affect texture, flavor, and other properties. For instance, coarsening a mixture might enhance its stability or alter its physical characteristics.
Synonyms
increase granularity, roughen, thicken.
Examples of usage
- The baker decided to coarsen the flour for a more rustic bread.
- To improve the texture, the chef opted to coarsen the spices.
- Coarsening the mixture can lead to a thicker consistency.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In geology, coarsening refers to the gradual increase in grain size in sedimentary deposits over time.
- During certain manufacturing processes, materials can undergo coarsening, which affects their texture and strength, as seen in metallurgy.
- In biology, coarsening can describe changes in cell structures leading to rougher textures, important in diseases such as fibrosis.
Art and Culture
- In visual arts, a coarsening process can refer to techniques where fine details are reduced for a more impressionistic effect.
- Some modern artists intentionally utilize coarsening in their brushwork to convey emotion or movement, rather than precision.
- Coarsening is also a theme in literature, where characters can become more hardened or rough due to their experiences.
Psychology
- Studies show that exposure to negative environments can lead to coarsening effects in personal relationships, making people less sympathetic.
- Coarsening effects in communication can occur when individuals become desensitized to harsh language, leading to a more abrasive social atmosphere.
- In developmental psychology, exposure to harsh parenting styles may lead to children developing coarser behaviors as a form of defense.
Technology
- In computer graphics, coarsening can refer to reducing the detail in models to speed up rendering processes.
- The term 'coarsening' is also used in data analysis, where finer data points are grouped into larger categories for easier interpretation.
- In the context of materials science, coarsening can refer to the growth of larger grains in a crystal structure, impacting the material's properties.
Origin of 'coarsening'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'coarsening' comes from 'coarse', which has roots in Old French 'cors', meaning 'rough'.
- The transformation from 'coarse' to 'coarsening' follows a pattern in English where adjectives can shift to verbs by adding certain suffixes.
- Historical usage shows that in the 14th century, the term started being employed in contexts relating to texture and material.
The term 'coarsening' derives from the adjective 'coarse,' which has its roots in Middle English 'cors' implying roughness or lack of refinement. The word evolved from the Old French 'cors,' which links back to Latin 'crassus,' meaning thick or fat. The suffix '-ing' is a common gerund formation in English, converting the adjective into a noun that represents the action or process of becoming coarse. Historically, the concept of coarsening has been relevant in various fields such as geology, material sciences, and culinary arts, referring to the evolution of structure, texture, or consistency over time or through specific processes. Over the years, the term has found widespread usage in scientific literature, particularly in discussing materials behavior under different thermal and mechanical conditions.