Finesentence logo

Rarefy: meaning, definitions and examples

🌬️
Add to dictionary

rarefy

 

[ ˈrɛəraɪfaɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

scientific context

To rarefy means to make something less dense or to thin out. This term is often used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, to describe the process of reducing the density of a substance, such as gas or liquid.

Synonyms

attenuate, dilute, thin, weaken

Examples of usage

  • The scientist sought to rarefy the gas to study its properties.
  • In order to study the effects of altitude, the air was rarefied in the chamber.
  • Breathing at high altitudes causes the air to rarefy, making it thinner.
  • Rarefying the solution helped in observing the chemical reactions more clearly.

Translations

Translations of the word "rarefy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rarefazer

🇮🇳 दुर्लभ बनाना

🇩🇪 verdünnen

🇮🇩 mengurangi

🇺🇦 розріджувати

🇵🇱 rozrzedzać

🇯🇵 希薄にする

🇫🇷 rarefaire

🇪🇸 rarefiar

🇹🇷 seyrekleştirmek

🇰🇷 희석하다

🇸🇦 تخفيف

🇨🇿 zředit

🇸🇰 zriediť

🇨🇳 稀释

🇸🇮 redčiti

🇮🇸 þynna

🇰🇿 сирету

🇬🇪 დაფხვიერება

🇦🇿 seyrek etmək

🇲🇽 rarefiar

Etymology

The word 'rarefy' originates from the Latin 'rarefacere', which combines 'rares', meaning 'sparse' or 'thin', with 'facere', meaning 'to make' or 'to do'. This Latin term evolved through Old French before entering the English language in the 16th century. Initially, it was used in an academic context, particularly in discussions regarding the physical properties of matter. Over time, the term has broadened to include metaphorical uses, such as making ideas or concepts less dense or complex. The shift in application reflects the evolving nature of language and the need for precision in scientific and technical writing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,768, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.