Evaporation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪˌvæpəˈreɪʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The process by which a liquid changes to a gas or vapor, typically resulting from a temperature increase or reduced pressure.

Examples

• The evaporation of the calm waters of the lake revealed the hidden underwater rocks.
• Evaporation from the ocean contributed to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Synonyms

• Vaporization
• Fuelling

Antonyms

• Condensation
• Boiling

Etymology

The word “Evaporation” comes from the Latin words “evapo” meaning “to evaporate” and “ratio” meaning “change”.

Additional Information

Evaporation is an essential process in the water cycle, contributing to the formation of clouds, rain, and ultimately, the water supply. It occurs naturally in various environments, including oceans, lakes, and rivers, as well as in human-made systems like cooling towers and evaporative coolers. Understanding evaporation is crucial for managing water resources and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Usage Notes

When using the term “Evaporation” in scientific or technical contexts, it’s essential to accurately describe the process and its implications. In everyday language, evaporation can be referred to as “drying up” or “wetness disappearing”.

Cultural References

In popular culture, evaporation is often depicted in science fiction and fantasy settings, such as in illustrations of deserts or dystopian futures. It is also a common theme in educational programs and documentaries about climate change and environmental science.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Dry up” – to reduce or eliminate liquid or moisture
• “Wetness disappears” – to describe the process of evaporation

Related Words or Phrases

• Vaporization
• Condensation
• Humidity

Collocations

• “Evaporation of water”
• “Evaporation of fuel”

Frequency of Use

Evaporation is a commonly used term in scientific, technical, and educational contexts, with a moderate frequency of use in everyday language.

Common Misspellings

• Evapouration
• Evaporateion