verb
sublime
To change directly between solid and gas without becoming liquid.
Dry ice sublimes into gas without leaving a liquid puddle.
Etymology
The verb comes from Latin for raising or elevating. Chemistry applies it to material passing directly between a solid and a vapor.
More examples
- Even below freezing, snow can sublime into the dry air.
- The chemist sublimes iodine to separate it from impurities.
- Some ice cubes have sublimed after months in the freezer.
Forms
sublime · sublimes · sublimed · subliming
sublimation noun — Direct change between solid and gas.
Similar words
- sublimate
- Can name the same direct change between solid and gas.
- vaporize
- Changes a substance into gas, not necessarily from solid.