sublimate
IPA: sʌbɫˈaɪmʌt
noun
- (chemistry) A product obtained by sublimation.
verb
- (transitive)
- (chemistry) To heat (a substance) in a container so as to convert it into a gas which then condenses in solid form on cooler parts of the container.
- (generally) To change (a solid substance) into a gas without breaking down or passing through the liquid state by heating it gently.
- (chiefly passive voice) To change (a substance) from a gas into a solid through sublimation.
- (by extension)
- (figurative) To refine (something) until it disappears or loses all meaning.
- (figurative, psychoanalysis) To modify (the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct) in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of (such an instinct) into some acceptable activity.
- (chiefly figurative, archaic) To obtain (something) through, or as if through, sublimation.
- (chiefly figurative, archaic) To purify or refine (a substance).
- (by extension) Synonym of sublime
- (also figurative) To raise (someone) to a high office or status; to dignify, to elevate, to exalt.
- (figurative) To raise (a physical thing) to a state of excellence; to improve.
- (intransitive)
- (chemistry) Of a substance: to change from a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid state, with or without being heated.
- (chemistry) Of a substance: to change from a gas into a solid without passing through the liquid state.
- (figurative, psychoanalysis) To modify the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of such an instinct into some acceptable activity.
- (figurative) Synonym of sublime (“to become higher in quality or status; to improve”)
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Examples of "sublimate" in Sentences
- The leader sublimated the troupe.
- It consisted of gold and corrosive sublimate.
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