devitrification

devitrification

A piece of glass undergoes devitrification over time.

Definition
  1. Noun (uncountable):
    • The process of becoming opaque or crystalline: "devitrification" refers to the transformation of a glassy substance (such as volcanic glass or manufactured glass) into a crystalline, opaque, or dull state due to heat, time, or chemical change. It is the opposite of vitrification (forming a glass).
Usage Examples
  • (The glass became cloudy and crystalline.)
  • (The glaze becomes opaque and non-glassy.)
  • (The natural glass turns into a crystalline rock.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Devitrification of glass": a specific term in materials science describing the loss of glassy properties.

    • The devitrification of the laboratory glassware made it unsuitable for optical experiments. (The glass became cloudy and unusable for light transmission.)

  • "Devitrification temperature": the temperature at which a glass begins to crystallize.

    • The devitrification temperature of the silica glass was measured at 1200°C. (The point where crystallization starts.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Devitrify (verb): to undergo or cause devitrification.

    • If you heat the glass too slowly, it may devitrify. (It may become crystalline.)

  • Devitrified (adjective): having undergone devitrification.

    • The devitrified window pane was no longer clear. (The glass had become opaque.)

  • Vitrification (noun): the process of turning into glass (the opposite of devitrification).

    • Vitrification of nuclear waste is used for safe storage. (Turning waste into glass.)
Synonyms
  • Crystallization: the formation of crystals in a material.
  • Opacification: the process of becoming opaque or non-transparent.
  • Devitrifaction (rare): an alternative spelling or synonym.
Related Idioms
  • None common. "Devitrification" is a technical term without idiomatic usage.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None. "Devitrification" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.
Additional Notes
  • Scientific context: Devitrification is important in geology (e.g., obsidian devitrifies into perlite or pitchstone) and in manufacturing (e.g., glass-ceramics are made by controlled devitrification).
  • Contrast with vitrification: While vitrification creates a glassy state, devitrification reverses it, often making the material less transparent and more brittle.