What does vitrified mean?
Vitrified refers to a material or substance that has been made or treated with a vitrifying agent, resulting in a glassy or hard and brittle texture. This process can occur naturally, such as in the formation of obsidian or pumice, or it can be induced through heat treatment, such as in the production of pottery or glass. Vitrified materials are often resistant to scratches and heat, but can be brittle and prone to cracking. The term vitrified is used in various fields, including geology, ceramics, and materials science.
adjectiveHaving been made or treated with a vitrifying agent, so as to become glassy or hard and brittle.
- Having been made or treated with a vitrifying agent, so as to become glassy or hard and brittle.
"The vitrified surface of the pottery was resistant to scratches and heat."
"The vitrified surface of the pottery was resistant to scratches and heat."
"The vitrified soil was unable to retain water."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vitrified
The word vitrified comes from the Latin word 'vitreus', meaning glassy or transparent. The term vitrify, meaning to make glassy or hard, is derived from the same root. The process of vitrification has been used in various industries for centuries, including ceramics, glassmaking, and geology.
How vitrified is actually used
In geology, vitrified refers to the process of soil or rock becoming glassy or hard due to heat or pressure. In ceramics, vitrified refers to the process of making pottery or glass hard and brittle through heat treatment.