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The act of drying, or the state of growing dry. The arefaction of the earth. Sir M. Hale.

process of rarefying; the state of being rarefied; - - opposed to condensation; as, the rarefaction of air.

The science of measuring the air, including the doctrine of its pressure, elasticity, rarefaction, and condensation; pneumatics.

An instrument for measuring the degree of rarefaction of air contained in the receiver of an air pump. [Spelt also elaterometer.]

t enlarges by growth; an estate enlarges by good management; a volume of air enlarges by rarefaction.

partly filled with mercury, -- used to indicate pressure, as of steam, or the degree of rarefaction produced in the receiver of an air pump or other vacuum; a manometer. -- Sliding gauge. (Mach.) (a) A templet or pattern for gauging the commonly accepted dimensions or shape of certain parts in general use, as screws,…

See Rarefaction. [R.] Am. Chem. Journal.

The condition of rarefaction, or reduction of pressure below that of the atmosphere, in a vessel, as the condenser of a steam engine, which is nearly exhausted of air or steam, etc.; as, a vacuum of 26 inches of mercury, or 13 pounds per square inch. Vacuum brake, a kind of continuous brake operated by exhausting the a…