sublimation

Meanings

1. 1noununcountablechemistryphysics

   The process in which a solid changes directly into a gas without becoming a liquid first.

   Grammar: Uncountable: sublimation, the sublimation of something.

   Patterns

   • the sublimation of something
   • sublimation occurs

   Dry ice undergoes sublimation at room temperature, turning directly into carbon dioxide gas.

   The sublimation of snow can happen even when the temperature is below freezing.

   In chemistry class, we learned that sublimation skips the liquid state.

2. 2noununcountable

   In psychology, the process of changing unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.

   Grammar: Uncountable: sublimation, the sublimation of impulses.

   Patterns

   • the sublimation of something
   • sublimation of impulses

   According to Freud, sublimation can turn aggressive energy into creative work.

   Artistic expression is often seen as a form of sublimation.

   The theory of sublimation suggests that people can redirect their desires into productive pursuits.

Common combinations

process of sublimation

The process of sublimation is used to purify certain chemicals.

sublimation occurs

Sublimation occurs when the solid turns directly into a gas.

sublimation of snow

The sublimation of snow can cause the snowpack to shrink without melting.

form of sublimation

For him, painting was a form of sublimation.

Word family

sublimate verb

To change a solid directly into a gas, or in psychology, to redirect an impulse.

sublime verb

In chemistry, to purify a substance by sublimation; also an adjective meaning of great beauty.

Commonly confused: sublimation or sublime?

Practice

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