n.
Pronunciation: ˌ ka-v ə - ' t ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: cavity + -ation
Date: 1895
: the process of cavitating: as a : the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (as a propeller) or by high-intensity sound waves also : the pitting and wearing away of solid surfaces (as of metal or concrete) as a result of the collapse of these vacuums in surrounding liquid b : the formation of cavities in an organ or tissue especially in disease