cracking

[ krak-ing ]

noun

1. (in the distillation of petroleum or the like) the process of breaking down certain hydrocarbons into simpler ones of lower boiling points by means of excess heat, distillation under pressure, etc., in order to give a greater yield of low-boiling products than could be obtained by simple distillation. Compare catalytic cracking.

adverb

1. extremely; unusually:

   We saw a cracking good match at the stadium.

adjective

, Informal.

1. done with precision; smart:

   A cracking salute from the honor guard.

cracking

/ ˈkrækɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal.
   prenominal fast; vigorous (esp in the phrase a cracking pace )
2. get cracking informal.
   to start doing something quickly or do something with increased speed

adverb

1. informal.
   first-class; excellent

   a cracking good match

noun

1. the process in which molecules are cracked, esp the oil-refining process in which heavy oils are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight by heat or catalysis See also catalytic cracker

cracking

/ krăk′ĭng /

1. The process of breaking down complex chemical compounds by heating them. Sometimes a catalyst is added to lower the amount of heat needed for the reaction. Cracking is used especially for breaking petroleum molecules into shorter molecules and to extract low-boiling fractions, such as gasoline, from petroleum.
2. See also hydrocracking

Word History and Origins

Origin of cracking¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; crack, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get cracking. crack ( def 54 ).

Example Sentences

Liberals laughing about the continued destruction of Palestine under Trump or cracking up at the thought of Trump voters with family members potentially deported have caved to the dark side.

From Salon

He has also developed close ties with Giorgia Meloni since she was elected over two years ago on the promise of cracking down on illegal migration.

From BBC

He crashed in a 2021 qualifying event, ripping a funny car in half and cracking two ribs.

From Los Angeles Times

It seems Blunt wasn’t the only one cracking jokes about Krasinski’s coronation.

From Los Angeles Times

Kevin Plumb, representing the league, said efforts to protect broadcast rights would continue by cracking down on illegal operators “no matter the scale”.

From BBC

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