Vitrified: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'vitrum', meaning glass, emphasizing its glass-like qualities.
• It has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe materials that have undergone transformation through heat.

Science

• Vitrification is a critical process in nuclear waste management, converting toxic materials into a stable, glass-like substance.
• In pottery, the vitrification of clay during firing improves its strength and watertightness.
• This process occurs naturally during volcanic eruptions where lava cools quickly and forms glassy rock called obsidian.

Art and Architecture

• Artisans in ancient cultures used vitrified materials to create stunning tiles and pottery, sought after for their beauty and durability.
• Modern architecture often uses vitrified tiles for both aesthetic appeal and functional durability in flooring and facades.

History

• The technique of vitrification dates back thousands of years, with early examples seen in Egyptian glassmaking.
• In the Middle Ages, glassmakers advanced the process, making intricate glass vessels that were both practical and decorative.

Environmental Implications

• Vitrification is being explored as a method to store carbon dioxide in a solid glass state, potentially aiding in climate change mitigation.
• This technique is promising in the recycling of glass materials, lowering the demand for new raw materials while reducing landfill waste.

Positioned at #23,645, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

• ...
• 23642 repatriated
• 23643 flapped
• 23644 cumin
• 23645 vitrified
• 23646 smouldering
• 23647 emboldened
• 23648 wetter
• ...