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Rarefaction: meaning, definitions and examples

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rarefaction

 

[ ˌrerəˈfakSHən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific term

Rarefaction refers to the reduction of an item's density or concentration. This phenomenon is often discussed in the context of physics, particularly when analyzing sound waves or gases. In acoustics, rarefaction occurs as sound waves travel through a medium, resulting in areas of lower pressure. Additionally, it can be observed in biological sciences, particularly in the study of population densities in ecology. Understanding rarefaction is crucial for interpreting various scientific concepts and phenomena.

Synonyms

depletion, diminution, lessening

Examples of usage

  • The rarefaction of sound waves allows us to hear music from a distance.
  • In ecology, species rarefaction helps assess biodiversity in a given area.
  • The rarefaction of air occurs at higher altitudes.
  • Rarefaction effects can be demonstrated through various physical experiments.

Translations

Translations of the word "rarefaction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rarefação

🇮🇳 द्रव्यमान का पतला होना

🇩🇪 Verdünnung

🇮🇩 penipisan

🇺🇦 розрідження

🇵🇱 rozrzedzenie

🇯🇵 希薄化

🇫🇷 rarefaction

🇪🇸 rarefacción

🇹🇷 seyrekleşme

🇰🇷 희박화

🇸🇦 تخفيف

🇨🇿 zředění

🇸🇰 zriedenie

🇨🇳 稀疏化

🇸🇮 redčenje

🇮🇸 þynning

🇰🇿 сирекшілік

🇬🇪 გაფართოება

🇦🇿 seyrəkliyin azalması

🇲🇽 rarefacción

Etymology

The term 'rarefaction' originates from the Latin word 'rarefacere', which means 'to make rare or thin'. This combines 'rares', meaning 'thin', and 'facere', meaning 'to make'. The concept of rarefaction has been part of the scientific discourse since the advent of studies in acoustics and thermodynamics, where understanding the behavior of gases and sound is essential. It first appeared in English texts in the early 19th century, as scientists sought to explain various physical phenomena related to waves and atmospheric pressure. Rarefaction is pivotal in grasping how sound travels through different media and has implications in various fields, from physics to ecology, where it is used to describe changes in species populations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,211, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.