volatilization
|vo-lat-i-li-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌvɑləˌtɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌvɒlətɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
becoming vapor
Etymology
'volatilization' originates from Latin via the verb 'volatilize' (formed in modern scientific English), ultimately from Latin 'volatilis' meaning 'flying' or 'readily flying away'.
'volatilis' (Latin) gave rise to Late Latin/French forms and the verb 'volatilize' was formed in modern scientific/technical English (influenced by French 'volatiliser'), from which the noun 'volatilization' was derived.
Initially the Latin root related to 'flying' or 'readily movable'; over time the sense shifted to substances that 'readily disperse into the air' and now specifically denotes the process of conversion into vapor.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or action of converting a substance into a vapor (gas), typically by heating or by reduction of pressure; vaporization.
The volatilization of the solvent during drying must be controlled to avoid hazardous vapour concentrations.
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Noun 2
in environmental/chemical contexts, the release or loss of a chemical (for example, ammonia or pesticides) from soil, water, or product into the atmosphere as a vapor.
Ammonia volatilization from fertilizer can lead to air pollution and reduces nutrient availability in the soil.
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Last updated: 2025/11/17 00:47