The French artist Edgar Degas is often pronounced "duh-GAH" in English, but the correct French pronunciation is closer to "duh-GAHSS." This can be confusing for English speakers since the final "s" is silent in French. The spelling of the word "degas" is reflective of the French language, where the letter "s" is often used to show a soft "s" or "z" sound at the end of a word. In phonetic transcription, the correct pronunciation of "degas" is /dəˈɡɑː/.
Degas is a verb that can be defined as the act of removing or dissolving gas from a liquid or substance, typically by mechanical or chemical means. The term is derived from the name of French artist Edgar Degas (1834-1917), known for his contributions to the Impressionist movement and his focus on capturing fleeting moments and movement in his artwork.
In the context of chemistry or physical sciences, degas refers to the process of eliminating or extracting dissolved gases from a material, such as water, solvents, or metals, to obtain a pure or gas-free product. This is commonly achieved through methods like heating, vacuum evaporation, or chemical agents, with the aim of removing any unwanted gas that might affect the stability or quality of the substance.
Additionally, the term degas can also be used in reference to the removal of air bubbles from a liquid, such as in the case of degassing a casting mold or a two-component adhesive. In this sense, degassing ensures a more precise and uniform distribution of the liquid, preventing defects or inconsistencies in the final product.
Overall, the process of degas entails the elimination or reduction of gaseous elements or compounds from a liquid or substance, contributing to the purification, stability, and integrity of the material at hand.
The word "degas" has its etymology rooted in French. It originated from the surname of the renowned French Impressionist painter, Edgar Degas (1834-1917). Edgar Degas was known for his contributions to the art world, particularly in the fields of painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. The word "degas" is often used as a verb, referring to the act of drying up or evaporation, which is a reference to Degas' use of pastel techniques in his artwork. Thus, "degas" has become associated with the artist and his artistic methods.