liquefaction

[ lik-wuh-fak-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of liquefying or making liquid.
2. the state of being liquefied.

liquefaction

/ lĭk′wə-făk′shən /

1. Chemistry.
   The act or process of turning a gas into a liquid. Liquefaction is usually achieved by compression of vapors (provided the temperature of the gas is below the critical temperature), by refrigeration, or by adiabatic expansion.
2. Geology.
   The process by which sediment that is very wet starts to behave like a liquid. Liquefaction occurs because of the increased pore pressure and reduced effective stress between solid particles generated by the presence of liquid. It is often caused by severe shaking, especially that associated with earthquakes.

Other Words From

• lique·factive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquefaction¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin liquefactiōn- (stem of liquefactiō ) a melting, equivalent to Latin liquefact ( us ) (past participle of liquefacere to melt, liquefy ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

If the seller or their agent knows that the property is on a seismic hazard zone that is subject to strong ground shaking, soil liquefaction or landslide, the information must be disclosed, according to the state Department of Real Estate.

From Los Angeles Times

Basin, sits in what’s known as a liquefaction zone.

From Los Angeles Times

Liquefaction occurs when shaking from an earthquake effectively turns the land into quicksand.

From Los Angeles Times

Liquefaction can cause structures to tilt, or it can lead to a more dramatic phenomenon known as “lateral spreading” in which buildings on suddenly fluid soil slide down gentle slopes, such as toward river banks.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no mention of those possibilities in the feasibility study, but Wilkerson said that’s because it came out before liquefaction zone maps were better understood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adjournment
• demise
• disbandment
• overthrow
• suspension
• termination