vitrification

Etymology

Latin vitrum (“glass”)

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈvɪ.tɹɪ.fɪˌkeɪ.ʃən/

Noun

vitrification (countable and uncountable, plural vitrifications)

1. A process of converting a material into a glass-like amorphous solid which is free of any crystalline structure, either by the quick removal or addition of heat, or by mixing with an additive.
   • 1919, United States. Bureau of Standards, Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, page 15:

     At this point overfiring begins, as is shown particularly by the volume curve, which indicates decided bloating, so that at 1450°C the clay has about the same volume it had at 1050°C before vitrification took place.

Alternative forms

• vitrifaction