How Do You Spell VITRIFACTION?

Pronunciation: [vˌɪtɹɪfˈakʃən] (IPA)

Vitrifaction, pronounced as /ˌvɪtrɪfækˈʃən/, is a rare word used in the field of glassmaking. It refers to the process of converting materials into glass through heating and cooling. The spelling of this word is based on its Latin origin, from the word "vitrum" meaning glass and "factio" meaning making. The letter "i" is used twice to signify the two distinct syllables, and the "f" and "c" are separated by "a" to ensure proper pronunciation.

VITRIFACTION Meaning and Definition

1. Vitrification is a process in which a substance, typically a liquid or molten material, transforms into a solid glass-like state through rapid cooling. The term originates from the Latin word "vitrum," meaning glass.

   In vitrification, the substance is heated to a high temperature until it reaches a molten state. Then, the temperature is rapidly decreased, preventing the formation of crystals and allowing the material to solidify into a non-crystalline amorphous structure, closely resembling glass. This rapid cooling inhibits the atoms or molecules in the substance from arranging themselves into a crystalline lattice, resulting in a transparent or translucent glassy solid rather than a conventional crystalline solid.

   Vitrification has numerous applications in various fields. In the realm of materials science, it is employed to produce glassware, optical fibers, and ceramic materials with desirable properties like high strength and resistance to heat. In cryobiology and cryonics, vitrification is used as a preservation technique for biological samples, such as embryos, tissues, or organs, where they are exposed to cryogenic temperatures without forming ice crystals that could damage the cellular structure. This technique enables long-term storage and future use or study of biological specimens.

   Overall, vitrification is a transformative process that allows for the conversion of a liquid or molten substance into a solid glass-like state, finding applications in various industries ranging from materials science to medicine.

2. The act or process of converting into glass by heat and fusion.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for VITRIFACTION

• verifaction
• vitrifacation
• Vitrafaction
• vitrilation
• vitrefaction
• Vitrifactional
• devitrifaction

Etymology of VITRIFACTION

The word "vitrifaction" is derived from the Latin word "vitrum", meaning "glass", and the French word "vitrification", which is the process of converting a substance into glass or glaze by heating it to a high temperature and then cooling it rapidly. The term "vitrification" was first recorded in the late 17th century.

Similar spelling word for VITRIFACTION

• vitrification.