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Definition of rarefy


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rar·e·fy also rar·i·fy  audio  (râr-f) KEY  

VERB:
rar·e·fied , rar·e·fy·ing , rar·e·fies
VERB:
tr.
  1. To make thin, less compact, or less dense.
  2. To purify or refine.
VERB:
intr.
To become thin or less compact or dense.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English rarefien, from Old French rarefier, from Medieval Latin rrificre, alteration of Latin rrfacere : rrus, rare + facere, to make; see dh- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
rare·fia·ble (Adjective)


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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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