The English word "liquefy" is spelled with the letters L-I-Q-U-E-F-Y. The pronunciation of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /lɪkwiːfaɪ/. The first syllable starts with the L sound, followed by the short I sound, and then the K sound. The second syllable has the W sound, the long E sound, and then the F sound. The final syllable consists of the long I sound and the F sound together. This word means to turn a substance into a liquid form.
Liquefy is a verb that refers to the process of converting a substance from a solid or gaseous state into a liquid state. This is typically achieved by adding heat, although in some cases pressure or both heat and pressure can be utilized. When a substance liquefies, its molecules or particles gain enough energy to overcome their attractive forces and move freely, resulting in a fluid state.
The term liquefy is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts but can also be employed in everyday language. In scientific fields, it often relates to phase changes, such as the conversion of a solid to a liquid, or the melting of ice into water. In these cases, a substance reaches its melting point temperature at which it becomes liquid. On the other hand, in general usage, liquefy can refer to a variety of materials transforming into a liquid form, like the melting of chocolate or the conversion of a gas into a liquid through vapor condensation.
The process of liquefying substances has various practical applications. For example, liquefaction is a crucial step in chemical processes, as it allows for easier handling, transportation, and mixing of materials. Additionally, the ability to liquefy certain gases enables their storage and distribution in a compressed form, making them more manageable and efficient for industrial purposes. Overall, liquefy is a versatile term that describes the transition from a solid or gas to a liquid state, playing a significant role in multiple scientific, technical, and everyday scenarios.
To melt or make liquid; to change a solid into a fluid; to be melted.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "liquefy" originated from the Latin term "liquēfacere", which is a combination of the words "liquēre" meaning "to be liquid" and "facere" meaning "to make". The Latin word eventually evolved into the Old French word "liquéfier" and was further anglicized into "liquefy" in Middle English.