Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sublimation

noun

/ˌsʌblɪˈmeɪʃən/

Definition

The process in which a solid changes directly into a gas without becoming a liquid first.

Examples

Dry ice undergoes sublimation at room temperature, turning directly into carbon dioxide gas.
The sublimation of snow on warm days can lead to a decrease in snow cover without melting into water.

Meaning

Sublimation refers to a phase transition that occurs when certain substances skip the liquid state and move directly from a solid to a gaseous state. This process is commonly observed in materials such as dry ice and some forms of solid iodine.