Rarefaction (Noun)
Meaning
A decrease in the density of something; "a sound wave causes periodic rarefactions in its medium".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- Rarefaction of the air particles above the surface causes the formation of wind patterns.
- In a volcanic eruption, the rapid release of gases leads to a rarefaction of the surrounding atmosphere.
- The low-pressure system's rarefaction of air allows it to draw in surrounding air, causing a cloud to form.
- Sound waves propagate through the medium with periodic compressions and rarefactions, resulting in the sensation of sound.
- Researchers studied the rarefaction of water particles at the surface of the ocean, which affects the Earth's climate system.