sublimation
pronunciation
How to pronounce sublimation in British English:
UK [ˌsʌblɪ'meɪʃn]
How to pronounce sublimation in American English:
US [ˌsʌbləˈmeʃən]
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- Noun:
- (chemistry) a change directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid
- (psychology) modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable
Word Origin
- sublimation (n.)
- late 14c., in alchemy, "process of purifying by vaporizing then allowing to cool," from Medieval Latin sublimationem (nominative sublimatio) "refinement," literally "a lifting up, deliverance," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin sublimare "to raise, elevate," from sublimis "lofty, high, exalted; eminent, distinguished" (see sublime).