Definition

Noun: A process or act that alters the fundamental unity, completeness, or intact state of something. It involves a transformation where the object's original, whole form is modified, divided, or combined.

Usage

This term is used to describe a broad category of actions that result in a material or conceptual alteration to an object's wholeness. It is often employed in formal, technical, or academic contexts.

Examples

• The change of integrity in the document was evident after it was torn into pieces.
• Melting is a physical change of integrity that turns a solid into a liquid.
• The merger represented a significant change of integrity for both companies, forming a single new entity.

Advanced Usage

The concept is central in fields like chemistry, physics, and materials science to distinguish processes that alter a substance's form (change of integrity) from those that only change its state or appearance. It implies the creation of a new physical or structural reality from the original.

Variants and Related Words

• Integrity (n): The state of being whole, unified, and undiminished.
• Fragmentation (n): A specific type of change of integrity involving breaking into parts.
• Unification (n): A specific type of change of integrity involving combining into a whole.

Synonyms

• Alteration
• Transformation
• Modification

Antonyms

• Preservation of integrity
• Stasis
• Maintenance

Related Concepts

• Physical Change: A change affecting the form of a substance without altering its chemical composition (often involves a change of integrity).
• Phase Transition: A change from one state of matter to another (e.g., solid to liquid), which is a specific type of change of integrity.

Noun

1. the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something