DECREPITATION Meaning and
Definition
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Decrepitation is a term primarily used in the fields of chemistry and materials science, referring to the process of a substance breaking or crumbling into smaller fragments or particles when exposed to heat or rapid temperature changes. It is often observed in materials with high levels of moisture or volatile elements.
When a substance undergoes decrepitation, it can produce cracking or popping sounds, often accompanied by visible or audible fragmentation. This phenomenon is caused by the rapid expansion and release of internal gases or volatile components within the material. The release of these gases or volatile compounds generates pressure, leading to the disintegration of the substance into smaller pieces.
Decrepitation is particularly prevalent in certain minerals, especially those containing water or chemically bound elements that undergo decomposition upon heating. This process can be utilized for various purposes, such as identifying specific minerals based on their decrepitation characteristics, determining the composition of substances, or providing insights into their thermal behavior.
In summary, decrepitation refers to the fragmentation or disintegration of a substance caused by the release of gases or volatile components when the material is exposed to heat or rapid temperature changes. This term is commonly used in the field of chemistry to describe the behavior of minerals and other materials during thermal processing or analysis.
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The snapping of certain salts when heated.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The act of roasting with a continuous crackling noise.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DECREPITATION
- secrepitation
- xecrepitation
- cecrepitation
- fecrepitation
- recrepitation
- eecrepitation
- dwcrepitation
- dscrepitation
- ddcrepitation
- drcrepitation
- d4crepitation
- d3crepitation
- dexrepitation
- devrepitation
- defrepitation
- dedrepitation
- deceepitation
- decdepitation
- decfepitation
Etymology of DECREPITATION
The word "decrepitation" derives from the Latin word "decrepitatio", which in turn comes from the verb "decrepitare", meaning "to crackle". The Latin root of the word is "decrepare", meaning "to creak" or "to crack". The "decrep-" prefix signifies a negative or intensive connotation, while the "-ation" suffix denotes the act or process of something. Therefore, "decrepitation" refers to the process or act of crackling or the sound produced when something cracks or breaks apart, especially when subjected to heat.
Similar spelling words for DECREPITATION
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