subtilization
(ˌsʌ(b)tɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən)
[ad. med.L. subtīlizātio, -ōnem, n. of action f. subtilizāre to subtilize. Cf. F. subtilisation (from 16th c.), Sp. su(b)tilizacion.]
1. The action of the vb. subtilize; the sublimation or rarefaction of a substance.
| 1603 Holland Plutarch's Mor. 1318 They burne incense by kindling Rosin, for to clense and purifie the aire by this rarefaction and subtilization. 1705 C. Purshall Mech. Macrocosm 85 By divers Percolations, and Subtilizations, to get their specifying Parts for the Meliorating of Mettals. 1715 Cheyne Philos. Princ. i. i. 14 It having been always found that their [sc. fluids'] Resistances were proportional to their Densities. So that no Subtilization, Division of parts, or Refining can alter their Resistances. 1726 Gentl. Mag. LVI. 169 It is..inconceivable..that any..subtilisation, or modification of matter should render it capable of perceiving. 1837 Harris Gt. Teacher 213 If the soul resulted from any subtilization, juxtaposition, or combinations of brute atoms. |
| fig. 1856 R. A. Vaughan Mystics (1860) I. iv. ii. 96 The excessive subtilisation of the One contributes toward the worship of the Manifold. 1882 Stallo in Nature XXVI. 542 To convert facts into ideas by a process of dwindling or subtilisation. |
2. The drawing of subtle distinctions; over-refinement of argument, etc.
| 1755 Johnson, Subtilization,..Refinement; superfluous acuteness. 1812 W. Taylor in Monthly Rev. LXVIII. 503 Saint John of Damascus..introduced to Europe the oriental subtilizations about points of faith. 1833 New Monthly Mag. XXXVII. 339 Is his plan practicable? It is not destroyed by its very subtilization? |