phase transformation; phase transition
Technical term in physics for a change between phases of matter, such as solid to liquid. Synonymous with 相転移 (そうてんい).
See also: 相転移
The phase transformation of water is determined by temperature and pressure.
この物質は高温で相変態を起こす。
This substance undergoes a phase transition at high temperatures.
Compound of 相 (そう, 'phase') and 変態 (へんたい, 'transformation'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is used in physics to describe phase changes.