Also 8–9 erron. liquifaction. [a. F. liquéfaction, ad. L. liquefactiōn-em, n. of action f. liquefacĕre to LIQUEFY.]
1. The action or process of liquefying, or the state of being liquefied; reduction to a liquid state.
1477. Norton, Ord. Alch., v. in Ashm. (1652), 59. Ayer also with his Coaction, Maketh things to be of light liquefaction: As Wax is and Butter, and Gummes all, A little heate maketh them to melt and fall.
1633. T. Adams, Exp. 2 Peter ii. v. 562. Which [cloudes] were encreased by the liquefaction and distilling of the aire into water.
1768–74. Tucker, Lt. Nat. (1834), I. 12. The qualities of fire remain the same, whether you throw gold or clay into it; yet upon casting in the latter no liquefaction will ensue.
1800. Henry, Epit. Chem. (1808), 37. Ice, during liquefaction, must absorb much caloric.
1818. Faraday, Exp. Res., xxi. (1844), 106. The liquefaction and solidification of gases.
1851. J. H. Newman, Cath. in Eng., vii. 298. I think it impossible to withstand the evidence which is brought for the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius at Naples.
1880. C. & F. Darwin, Movem. Pl., 69. The softening or liquefaction of the outer surface of the wall of the hair.
† 2. fig. Said of the ‘melting’ of the soul by ardor of devotion, etc. (Cf. F. liquéfaction.)
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 150. A liquefaction or a meltynge of the soule.
a. 1631. Donne, Serm., xxvi. 257. Till thou feele in thy selfe … a liquefaction, a colliquation, a melting of thy bowels under the commination of the Judgements of God upon thy sin.
1633. Earl Manch., Al Mondo (1636), 201. They laboured by a liquefaction of their soules into God, to insoule themselues in God.
a. 1711. Ken, Hymns, Poet. Wks. 1721, I. 228. She rap’t at his endearing Eye … in sweet, am’rous Liquefaction dy’d.
