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rarefaction

UK
/ˌreərəˈfækʃən/
US
/ˌrɛrəˈfækʃən/

Translations

rarefactionnoun
rarefactions
pl
The rarefaction of air at high altitudes can make breathing difficult.
Разрежение воздуха на больших высотах может затруднить дыхание.
Synonyms
decrease
diminution
reduction
thinning
attenuation
rarefactionadjective
more rarefaction
Comp.
most rarefaction
Super.
UK
/ˌreərəˈfækʃən/
US
/ˌrɛrəˈfækʃən/
Used attributively before nouns, e.g., "rarefaction wave"

Definitions

rarefactionnoun
The reduction in an item's density, the opposite of compression, often used in the context of sound waves or air pressure.
The rarefaction of air molecules occurs as a sound wave travels through the atmosphere.
A region in a sound wave where the particles are spread apart, creating a low-pressure area.
In a longitudinal wave, rarefaction is the part where the particles are least dense.
The act or process of rarefying or becoming less dense.
The gradual rarefaction of the atmosphere at high altitudes affects climbers.
rarefactionadjective
Relating to or characterized by rarefaction; occurring in or produced by regions of low density or pressure.
A rarefaction wave develops when the shock reverses.
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