1. to form cavities or hollow spaces within a substance or structure
Usage: technical; medical
2. to undergo cavitation, especially the formation of vapor-filled cavities in a liquid due to pressure changes
Usage: technical; physics

Examples

• The dentist explained that the decay would cavitate if left untreated.
• Propeller blades can cavitate when operating at high speeds in water.
• The infection began to cavitate, creating a hollow space in the lung tissue.
• Cavitating bubbles in the fluid caused erosion of the pump surface.
• The tumor started to cavitate as the center became necrotic.