Glassify: meaning, definitions and examples

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glassify

 

[ ˈɡlæsɪfaɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to make glass-like

To glassify means to transform a material into a glass-like state. This process usually involves heating the material until it becomes molten and then cooling it to form a solid with glass properties. Glassification is commonly referenced in discussions about waste disposal and recycling, particularly in relation to converting hazardous materials into stable glass forms.

Synonyms

fuse, solidify, vitrify.

Examples of usage

  • The scientists glassified the waste to prevent leaching.
  • They plan to glassify the hazardous materials for safe disposal.
  • The process aims to glassify toxic substances for environmental safety.

Etymology

The term 'glassify' is derived from the word 'glass', which has Old English origins, specifically from the word 'glæs' meaning 'glass, mirror' and has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old Norse 'gler' and Dutch 'glas'. The suffix '-ify' is a verb-forming suffix that indicates the action of making or becoming. Thus, 'glassify' effectively means to make something into glass or glass-like material. The usage of this term has become more prevalent in modern contexts, particularly in industries involved in material science, waste management, and environmental engineering, where the conversion of different materials into glass is practiced for both practicality and safety.