noun
sublimation
The direct change of a solid into a gas without becoming liquid.
Dry ice undergoes sublimation as it changes directly into gas.
Etymology
Latin sublimare means to raise or lift up. The process name evokes a solid rising into vapor without first becoming liquid.
More examples
- The ice cubes in our frost-free freezer shrink through sublimation.
- Scientists use sublimation to separate certain solids from impurities.
- Through sublimation, frozen laundry can dry without the ice melting.
Forms
sublimation
sublime verb — To change directly from solid to gas.
Similar words
- volatilization
- Volatilization broadly describes conversion into vapor, including from liquids.
- evaporation
- Evaporation changes a liquid, not a solid, into gas.