Pronunciation: [ɹˈe͡əfa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "rarefy" is spelled as /ˈreərɪfaɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word means to make something thinner or less dense, particularly a gas. It comes from the Latin word "rarus", meaning "thin" or "sparse". In English spelling, the "e" in "rarefy" is pronounced as "air", while the "fy" is pronounced as "fy". The emphasis is on the first syllable, with a slight stress on the second syllable.
Rarefy is a verb that refers to the process of making something thinner or less dense. It involves reducing the density or concentration of a substance by removing certain elements, particles, or components. This can occur through various means, such as heating, cooling, or compressing. Rarefaction is the phenomenon that occurs when something becomes rarefied.
In a more figurative sense, rarefy can also denote the act of refining or purifying something, particularly in terms of intellectual or artistic content. It implies the process of elevating or enhancing the quality, significance, or complexity of a concept, idea, or work.
Rarefy finds its origins in Latin, stemming from the word rarus, meaning thin or scattered. The suffix -fy, which is of French origin, means to make or cause.
Rarefy is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly within fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering, to describe the reduction of density or concentration. It is also employed in literature and philosophy to depict the process of refining thoughts, language, or artistic expressions.
Synonyms for rarefy include attenuate, thin, reduce, refine, purify, and concentrate. Antonyms include thicken, condense, intensify, and coarsen, which represent the opposite process of rarefaction.
To become light or less dense.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Rarely.
• To make or become thinner and lighter; to cause to expand or increase in bulk without adding any new portion, as air by heat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rarefy" originated from the Latin word "rarefacere", which is a combination of two Latin words, "rarus" meaning "thin" or "scarce", and "facere" meaning "to make". In Latin, "rarefacere" means "to make thin" or "to make less dense". Over time, the word evolved in English to "rarefy", retaining its original meaning of "to make less dense" or "to make something less crowded or concentrated". It is often used metaphorically to describe the process of refining or purifying something.
