noun
aeration
air-AY-shun/eˈreɪʃn/
The process of introducing air into a substance.
Bubbles rising from the submerged stone provide aeration for the tank water.
Etymology
The air root and process ending name an operation involving air. Originally the act of exposing something to air, aeration also denotes adding air to a substance or space.
In context
Very gentle, no bubbles. When you're making bubbles, that means you're making aeration.
More examples
- The aquarium pump provides steady aeration.
- Whipping increases aeration and lightens the cream.
- The treatment plant uses aeration to support oxygen-using microbes.
Forms
aerate verb — To introduce air or gas into something.
Similar words
- oxygenation
- Specifically supplies oxygen, rather than air more generally.
- ventilation
- Moves air through a space rather than into a substance.