decalescence

[ dee-kuh-les-uhns ]

noun

, Metallurgy.

1. absorption of heat without a corresponding increase in temperature when a metal has been heated to a critical point.

decalescence

/ ˌdiːkəˈlɛsəns /

noun

1. the absorption of heat when a metal is heated through a particular temperature range, caused by a change in internal crystal structure

Derived Forms

• ˌdecaˈlescent, adjective

Other Words From

• deca·lescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decalescence¹

1890–95; < Latin dēcalēsc ( ent- ) (stem of dēcalēscēns ) becoming warm ( de-, calescent ) + -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of decalescence¹

C19: from Late Latin dēcalescere to become warm, from Latin de- + calescere, from calēre to be warm