rarefy

verb

rar·​e·​fy ˈrer-ə-ˌfī 

variants or less commonly rarify

rarefied; rarefying

transitive verb

1

: to make rare, thin, porous, or less dense : to expand without the addition of matter

2

: to make more spiritual, refined, or abstruse

intransitive verb

: to become less dense

Examples of rarefy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As rarefied as his work was, as an individual and as a spirit there was something to celebrate — and yet there were foibles and missteps along the way too, so there was real good drama there. —Tim Greiving, latimes.com, 3 June 2019

But in 2003, when Clear was founded, biometric technology was rarefied, known to the public mostly through science fiction films. —Claire Martin, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2017

Touching on issues of artistic survival and the porous boundary between work and pleasure, Ms. Subrin, an accomplished visual artist and filmmaker, sifts addiction, celebrity and the plight of the aging actress into something rarefied yet real. —Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2017

And so while his techniques and ingredients are rarefied, Mr. Lenn’s food is decidedly less luxe in Knoxville, designed to appeal to a broader audience. —Jane Black, New York Times, 20 June 2017

But Mr. Affleck loves the Carlyle’s rarefied throwback allure. —Cara Buckley, New York Times, 4 Nov. 2016

And now, thanks to our constantly rarefying visual culture, the young actormen have become precious too — choosing carefully fitted suits or statement bespokery, not a stray hair on their head or face. —Mike Albo, Esquire, 4 Apr. 2012

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rarefien, rarifien, modification of Latin rarefacere, from rarus rare + facere to make — more at do

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

rarefy

verb

rar·​efy

variants also rarify

ˈrar-ə-ˌfī,

ˈrer-

rarefied; rarefying

: to make or become rare, thin, or less dense

Medical Definition

rarefy

verb

rar·​e·​fy

variants also rarify

ˈrar-ə-ˌfī, ˈrer- 

rarefied also rarified; rarefying also rarifying

transitive verb

: to make rare, thin, porous, or less dense : to expand without the addition of matter

intransitive verb

: to become less dense