sublimation Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (chemistry) a change directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid
noun (psychology) modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable

LL. sublimatio: cf. F. sublimation.

(Chem.) The act or process of subliming, or the state or result of being sublimed. the process of vaporizing a solid and recondensing it into a solid, without it having first passed into the liquid state. Certain solids, such as camphor, have a suffiently high vapor pressure in the solid phase to make this a practical method for purification.
The act of heightening or improving; exaltation; elevation; purification.
That which is sublimed; the product of a purifying process.
Religion is the perfection, refinement, and sublimation of morality. South.