rarefy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb lessen the density or solidity of
    • The bones are rarefied
  2. verb make more subtle or refined
    subtilize; sublimate.
  3. verb weaken the consistency of (a chemical substance)
    attenuate.

WordNet

Rar"e*fy transitive verb
Etymology
F. raréfier; L. rarus rare + -ficare (in comp.) to make; cf. L. rarefacere. See -fy.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Rarefied ; present participle & verbal noun Rarefying
Definitions
  1. To make rare, thin, porous, or less dense; to expand or enlarge without adding any new portion of matter to; -- opposed to condense.
Rar"e*fy intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To become less dense; to become thin and porous. "Earth rarefies to dew." Dryden.

Webster 1913