sublimation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (chemistry) a change directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid
  2. noun (psychology) modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable

WordNet


Sub"li*ma`tion noun
Etymology
LL. sublimatio: cf. F. sublimation.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) The act or process of subliming, or the state or result of being sublimed. the process of vaporizing a solid and recondensing it into a solid, without it having first passed into the liquid state. Certain solids, such as camphor, have a suffiently high vapor pressure in the solid phase to make this a practical method for purification.
  2. The act of heightening or improving; exaltation; elevation; purification.
  3. That which is sublimed; the product of a purifying process.
    Religion is the perfection, refinement, and sublimation of morality. South.

Webster 1913