Rarefaction

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛɹˈfækʃən/

Rarefaction (noun)

  1. A decrease in the number of particles in a gas, making it less dense.
  2. A part of a sound wave where the air pressure is lower and particles are farther apart.
  3. A method that estimates how many different species you would find with fewer samples.

Examples

  • The rarefaction reduced the gas pressure near the valve.
  • When the piston moved, rarefaction thinned the gas inside.