cavitation

noun

cav·​i·​ta·​tion ˌka-və-ˈtā-shən 

: the process of cavitating: such as

a

: the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (such as a propeller) or by high-intensity sound waves

also : the pitting and wearing away of solid surfaces (as of metal or concrete) as a result of the collapse of these vacuums in surrounding liquid

b

: the formation of cavities in an organ or tissue especially in disease

Examples of cavitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The projectile’s impact creates shock waves, which produce cavitation bubbles in the fuel. —IEEE Spectrum, 28 Jan. 2020

Trujillo and colleagues initially wondered if further breaking up coffee grounds through what’s known as acoustic cavitation might yield higher antioxidant levels. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 May 2024

One intriguing technology listed involves detecting hydrogen released through cavitation bubbles. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023

The amount of cavitation is related to the speed of the object. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

cavity + -ation

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cavitation

noun

cav·​i·​ta·​tion ˌkav-ə-ˈtā-shən 

: the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (as a propeller) or by high-frequency sound waves

Medical Definition

cavitation

noun

cav·​i·​ta·​tion ˌkav-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the process of cavitating

especially : the formation of cavities in an organ or tissue especially in disease

2

: a cavity formed by cavitation

cavitate

ˈkav-ə-ˌtāt 

verb

cavitated; cavitating