liquefaction

noun

Meaning

The process of turning a solid or gas into a liquid, or the phenomenon where saturated soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during seismic activity.

Examples

  • Engineers must analyze the soil for potential liquefaction before constructing high-rise buildings in seismic zones.
  • The industrial liquefaction of natural gas allows it to be transported efficiently across oceans in specialized tankers.

Synonyms: melting, condensation, fusion, deliquescence