rarefaction Definition
- 1the reduction of an item's density, particularly air, which can lead to a decrease in pressure
- 2the process of making something less dense or less crowded
Using rarefaction: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rarefaction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The rarefaction of air in the chamber caused the balloon to expand.
Example
The rarefaction of the liquid made it easier to pour.
Example
The rarefaction of the population in the rural area led to the closure of the school.
rarefaction Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for rarefaction
- attenuation
- dilution
- depletion
- thinning
Antonyms for rarefaction
Phrases with rarefaction
a type of sound wave that travels through a medium and causes a decrease in pressure
Example
The rarefaction wave caused by the explosion was felt for miles around.
an area of low pressure in a fluid or gas caused by rarefaction
Example
The rarefaction zone behind the supersonic jet was visible in the condensation cloud.
a graph that shows the number of species observed as a function of the number of samples taken
Example
The rarefaction curve indicated that additional sampling would not significantly increase the number of observed species.
Origins of rarefaction
from Latin 'rarifacere', meaning 'to make thin'
Summary: rarefaction in Brief
The term 'rarefaction' [reirəˈfækʃn] refers to the reduction of density or crowding, leading to a decrease in pressure. It can describe the thinning of air or other substances, as well as the depletion of populations or resources. Examples include 'The rarefaction of air in the chamber caused the balloon to expand.' and 'The rarefaction of the population in the rural area led to the closure of the school.'