sublimated
Adjective: 1. Transformed directly from a solid to a gas, or vice versa, without passing through a liquid phase: This is the primary scientific meaning, describing a substance that has undergone the physical process of sublimation. 2. (Psychology) Refined or purified by channeling primitive impulses into socially acceptable activities: This figurative meaning describes instincts or energies that have been redirected into a more positive or creative form.
The word "sublimated" is used to describe a state resulting from the process of sublimation. It can be applied literally to matter or figuratively to human psychology and behavior. * In science, it modifies a noun referring to a substance (e.g., sublimated iodine). * In psychology and general discourse, it often modifies nouns like "energy," "desire," or "impulse" to describe a refined transformation.
- Scientific Usage:
- The sublimated iodine formed crystals on the cooler surface of the beaker.
- Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that undergoes a sublimated state directly into a gas.
- Psychological/Figurative Usage:
- His aggressive energy was sublimated into a fierce determination to win the competition.
- The artist's personal grief was sublimated into her powerful paintings.
- "Sublimated desire": A strong want or urge that has been unconsciously transformed into a non-instinctual, often creative or intellectual, pursuit.
- The novel is seen as an expression of the author's sublimated desire for adventure.
- Sublimate (verb): To cause a substance to sublimate; to refine or purify by sublimation; (in psychology) to divert primitive energy into culturally higher activity.
- Heat will sublimate the solid.
- He learned to sublimate his anger into productive work.
- Sublimation (noun): The process of sublimating.
- The sublimation of dry ice creates a foggy effect.
- Scientific: Vaporized (when going from solid to gas), deposited (when going from gas to solid).
- Psychological: Refined, purified, channeled, redirected, transmuted.
- Scientific: Liquefied, melted, condensed (to a liquid).
- Psychological: Raw, unrefined, base, crude.
- passing or having passed from the solid to the gaseous state (or vice versa) without becoming liquid