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Noun: cavitation  ,ka-vi'tey-shun
  1. (physics) the formation and collapse of vapour bubbles in a flowing liquid in regions of very low pressure
    "Cavitation can cause damage to ship propellers"
     
  2. The formation of pits on a solid surface due to the collapse of bubbles in a nearby liquid
    "Cavitation erosion is a common problem in hydraulic machinery"

Derived forms: cavitations

Encyclopedia: Cavitation