rarefaction
noun
rar·e·fac·tion
ˌrer-ə-ˈfak-shən 
1
: the action or process of rarefying
2
: the quality or state of being rarefied
3
: a state or region of minimum pressure in a medium traversed by compressional waves (such as sound waves)
Examples of rarefaction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For rarity, for sheer automotive rarefaction, the flagship of BMW’s 2 billion-euro i Division makes those cars look like link sausage.
—
Dan Neil, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2017
Here is art that turns confectionery into both rarefaction and panache.
—Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 19 May 2017
Dan Neil, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2017
Here is art that turns confectionery into both rarefaction and panache.
—Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 19 May 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rarefaction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rarefaction
Cite this Entry
“Rarefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarefaction. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rarefaction
noun
rar·e·fac·tion
ˌrar-ə-ˈfak-shən, ˌrer-
1
: the action or process of rarefying
2
: the quality or state of being rarefied
especially
: an increase in porosity
areas of rarefaction in the bones
3
: a state or region of minimum pressure in a medium transversed by compressional waves (as sound waves)
the eardrum vibrates according to the compressions and rarefactions of the sound wave
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share