Rarefaction
Rarefaction
Rarefaction (pronounced: /rɛərəˈfækʃən/) is a term used in various fields of medicine and science. It generally refers to a decrease in density and pressure in a medium, such as air or bodily tissue, due to the passage of a sound wave, shock wave, or other disturbance.
Etymology
The term "rarefaction" originates from the Latin rarefacere, which means "to make thin". It is composed of rarus ("thin" or "rare") and facere ("to make").
In Medicine
In the field of medicine, rarefaction is often used to describe the process of bone loss or decrease in bone density, which can occur in conditions such as osteoporosis. It can also refer to the decrease in density of a gas, such as air, in the lungs in conditions like emphysema.
In Science
In physics and acoustics, rarefaction refers to the reduction in pressure and density of a medium, such as air or a gas, due to the passage of a wave. This is the opposite of compression, which is an increase in pressure and density.
Related Terms
- Osteoporosis: A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue.
- Emphysema: A long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath.
- Compression: In physics, compression is the result of the subjection of a material to compressive stress, resulting in reduction of volume.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rarefaction
- Wikipedia's article - Rarefaction
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