Vitrify is spelled with the letters V-I-T-R-I-F-Y. The IPA phonetic transcription for vitrify is /ˈvɪtrɪfaɪ/. This word means to convert a substance into a glass-like substance by heating it to a high temperature and then cooling it rapidly. The correct spelling of vitrify is important to ensure clear communication in written and spoken language. Using the correct spelling and pronunciation of vitrify will help avoid confusion and misunderstandings in professional and academic settings.
Vitrify is a verb that refers to the process of transforming a substance into glass or a glass-like material as a result of high heat. This term is commonly used in the fields of chemistry and materials science.
When a material is vitrified, its molecular structure is rearranged to form a non-crystalline solid with an amorphous atomic arrangement, similar to glass. This transformation occurs when the substance is exposed to extremely high temperatures, typically above its melting point, and then rapidly cooled. During this process, the substance undergoes a phase transition from a liquid or molten state to a solid state without crystallization.
The resulting vitreous material, known as vitrified material, possesses several properties similar to glass, such as transparency, hardness, and resistance to chemical and physical degradation. Vitrification is commonly used in the production of various products like glassware, ceramic materials, and construction materials.
In addition to the manufacturing applications, vitrification also plays a crucial role in waste management and environmental remediation. Hazardous or radioactive waste materials can be vitrified, a process known as waste vitrification, to encapsulate and immobilize them within a stable glass matrix. This ensures their long-term isolation and prevents any potential release into the environment.
In summary, vitrify refers to the conversion of a substance into glass or a glass-like material through exposure to high temperatures and subsequent rapid cooling. It is a process utilized in various industries, including manufacturing, waste management, and environmental protection.
To convert into glass by the action of heat; to be converted into glass.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word vitrify is derived from the Latin word vitrum, which means glass. The word combines with the suffix -fy, which comes from the Latin word facere, meaning to make or to do. Thus, vitrify literally means to make or turn into glass.