nucleation
First cluster forms
Nucleation is the initial formation of a new structure or phase around a central point.
In physics and chemistry, it describes how crystals, droplets, or bubbles begin forming—a few molecules cluster together, creating a nucleus that triggers further growth: Cloud formation depends on nucleation around dust particles.
The term extends to any process where something coalesces around a seed point: The coffee shop served as a nucleation site for the neighborhood's artist community.
Embryonic plant capsule
- supersaturationExceeding dissolution equilibrium limits
- latticeOpenwork of crossed strips
- solubilityDissolving potential in liquid
- crystalOrdered-atom solid
precipitate · solute · homogeneous · heterogeneous · crystallography · morphology · facets · habit
Extremely cold
- meltingSolid-to-liquid transition
- solidificationTransition to firm state
- supercoolingLiquid chilled below freezing
- undercoolingLiquid below freezing point
liquid · solid · cooling · temperature · thermodynamic · exothermic · vitrification · amorphous
Tiny liquid sphere
- aerosolMist in gas
- cloudAtmospheric water vapor mass
- vaporGaseous form of liquid
- humidityMoisture in atmosphere
dew · fog · mist · raindrop · water vapor · atmospheric · particulate · condensate
Embryonic plant capsule
- genesisPoint of creation
- inceptionFounding moment
- catalystAgent enabling change
- sparkTiny fiery particle
origin · emergence · formation · beginning · initiation · trigger · starting point · foundation
seed
Embryonic plant capsule
- supersaturationExceeding dissolution equilibrium limits
- latticeOpenwork of crossed strips
- solubilityDissolving potential in liquid
crystal · precipitate · solute · homogeneous · heterogeneous · crystallography · morphology · facets · habit · mineralogy
freezing
Extremely cold
- meltingSolid-to-liquid transition
- solidificationTransition to firm state
- supercoolingLiquid chilled below freezing
undercooling · liquid · solid · cooling · temperature · thermodynamic · exothermic · vitrification · amorphous · energy barrier
droplet
Tiny liquid sphere
humidity · dew · fog · mist · raindrop · water vapor · atmospheric · particulate · condensate · hygroscopic
seed
Embryonic plant capsule
spark · origin · emergence · formation · beginning · initiation · trigger · starting point · foundation · core
carbonation
Gas dissolved in liquid
- fizzBubbly hissing sound
- effervescenceBubbling in liquid
- cavitationPressure-induced void creation
boiling · foam · froth · champagne · soda · aeration · sparkling · seltzer · beer head · spume
nucleationcrystal growth
Solid lattice formation process
growth · propagation · maturation · ripening · Ostwald ripening
nucleationdissolution
Breaking up completely
dissociation · dissipation · melting · disintegration · decomposition
nucleationdiffusion
Passive molecular spreading
dispersion · homogenization · delocalization · dissipation · scattering