Definition

A decrease in density and pressure in a medium, often related to sound waves, where the particles are spread apart.

Example

The rarefaction of air allows sound waves to travel more easily in certain conditions.

Conversation

I was reading about sound waves, and they mentioned something called rarefaction.

Oh really? What’s that about?

It's when there's a decrease in pressure in a medium, like air, while the sound travels.

That makes sense! I never knew sound waves could affect pressure like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rarefaction → It is formed from "rarefacere" (meaning to make rare or thin) and the suffix "-tion" (meaning the action or process of). The word describes the process of making something less dense or more rare.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of 'making something thin' — 'rarefacere' means to make rare, and '-tion' indicates the action of doing so.

Visually Confused Words