Definition

To change into a glass-like substance, often through heating.

Example

When heated to a high temperature, the clay will vitrify and become hard and glassy.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen how clay can vitrify when it's fired in a kiln?

Yeah, it's fascinating! The transformation is incredible.

I didn't realize it could actually become glass-like after firing.

Exactly! It's amazing how heat can change materials like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To change something into a glassy substance, usually by applying heat until it melts and solidifies into glass.

Example

The artist decided to vitrify the clay to create a beautiful glass-like finish.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that some artists vitrify their clay sculptures to make them more durable?

Really? I thought they just painted them.

Nope, the heat actually changes the clay into a glassy finish when they vitrify it.

Root Explanation

Vitrify → It is formed from "vitrum" (meaning glass) and the suffix "-fy" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "vitrify" means to make something into glass or to turn into a glass-like substance.

Memory Tip

Imagine the process of turning something into glass — 'vitrum' refers to glass, and '-fy' means to make. This helps you remember that vitrify means to make something glass-like.

Visually Confused Words