noun

evaporation

ih-vap-uh-RAY-shun/ɪˌvæpəˈreɪʃn/

The change of a liquid into vapor.

Sunlight causes evaporation, leaving less water in the shallow dish.

Two shallow dishes show the same water surface before and after sun exposure, with a lower later water level and sparse rising molecular dots; clear evaporation process, no claim that vapor is a visible cloud.

Etymology

eLatinout

+vaporLatinsteam

+ationLatinaction or process

The combination of “out” and “steam” names the process of dispersing as vapor. The modern sense applies that image to liquid passing into a gaseous state.

In context

Allellu76:43

… just as water is raised from the ground by evaporation, or taken up by the root of a plant.

Proofs of a Conspiracy [Part 1 of 2] by John Robison | Full Audiobook, Read-Along

More examples

Wind speeds up evaporation from the surface of the lake.
Evaporation leaves salt behind as seawater dries.
A tight lid reduces evaporation and keeps the soup from drying out.

Forms

evaporate verb — To change from a liquid into vapor.

evaporative adjective — Relating to liquid changing into vapor.

Similar words

vaporization: A broader term that includes both evaporation and boiling.
drying: Focuses on removing moisture, often through evaporation.