CAVITATION

[cav.i.ta.tion] n [cavity + -ation] (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 esp. in disease