1. plural of cavitation; the formation of cavities or hollow spaces, especially the rapid formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid.
Usage: commonly used in physics, engineering, and medicine; technical term
2. in medical imaging, areas of tissue breakdown or hollow spaces within an organ or lesion, particularly in the lungs.
Usage: medical/clinical usage

Examples

• Cavitations in the lungs can be a sign of tuberculosis.
• The propeller's high speed caused cavitations that reduced its efficiency.
• Ultrasound revealed multiple cavitations within the tumor.
• Engineers study cavitations to improve the design of pumps and turbines.
• The collapse of cavitations produces shock waves that can damage nearby surfaces.
• Cavitations in dental work may indicate decay beneath the filling.