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

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

Thirteen buildings that are not retrofitted are also in liquefaction zones, areas where the ground can break during an earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

The choice of proper catalysts prior to the liquefaction process can solve this problem because of accelerated ortho-to-para conversion.

From Science Daily

Specific challenges arise depending on the location of a building, such as if it is in a liquefaction zone, in which the ground can no longer support the weight of structures.

From National Geographic

Once the agreement is executed, the companies would jointly select the liquefaction facility in the U.S. to produce the contracted LNG, the company said.

From Reuters

Related Words

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