Dictionary
cav•i•ta•tion
Pronunciation: (kav"i-tā'shun), [key]—
n.
1. the rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in a flowing liquid in regions of very low pressure, a frequent cause of structural damage to propellers, pumps, etc.
2. such a pocket formed in a flowing liquid.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.