rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysublimateDirect solid–gas change
verb / noun

sublimate

To change directly between solid and gas, or a substance produced this way.

Dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas without becoming liquid.

Etymology
sublimateLatinto raise

The source verb means to raise. The chemical process was named for material rising as vapor and being recovered in another form, later defined as the solid–gas transition.

More examples

  • In the freezer, ice cubes slowly sublimate and shrink.
  • The chemist sublimates the sample to separate it from impurities.
  • A white sublimate collects on the cooler surface of the flask.

Forms

sublimate · sublimates · sublimated · sublimating

sublimation noun — Direct change between solid and gas.

Similar words

vaporize
Changes into gas, often from a liquid rather than solid.
evaporate
Changes from liquid to gas, not directly from solid.