sublimation

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  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

Etymology

From Middle English sublimacioun, sublimacion, from Medieval Latin sublīmātiō, from Latin sublīmō (“to raise, to elevate”, verb). Synchronically, sublimate + -ion.

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