noun

evaporation

/ˌɛvəpəˈreɪʃən/ · say it: ev·uh·puh·RAY·shun

the change of a liquid into a gas

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) the process of liquid changing into a gas or vapor, especially when heated

2. (noun) the loss of moisture from soil or water surfaces into the air

Examples

1. The evaporation of water from the puddle happened quickly in the hot sun.
2. High temperatures increase evaporation from the ocean.

How to use evaporation

Evaporation is a scientific and neutral term used in physics, chemistry, meteorology, and everyday contexts to describe the transformation of liquids into gases. It is used both literally for physical processes and figuratively in informal speech (e.g., 'my motivation evaporated'). The term is distinct from similar processes like sublimation (solid to gas) and condensation (gas to liquid).

Common phrases

rapid evaporation
heat causes evaporation
evaporation rate
water evaporation
prevent evaporation

Synonyms

vaporization · volatilization · sublimation

Opposites

condensation

Word family

evaporate (verb) · evaporative (adjective) · evaporated (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse evaporation with perspiration or sweating; evaporation is the physical process of liquid becoming vapor, while perspiration is the biological process of producing sweat.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD