crack•ing (ˈkræk ɪŋ) n. 1. (in the distillation of petroleum) the process of breaking down complex hydrocarbons into simpler compounds with lower boiling points, as gasoline. Compare catalytic cracking.
Cracking is the process of breaking into smaller units, especially the process of splitting a large heavy hydrocarbon molecule into smaller, lighter components.
Cracking definition: Decomposition of a complex substance by the application of steam, a catalyst, or heat, especially the breaking of petroleum molecules into shorter molecules to extract low-boiling fractions such as gasoline.
cracking (plural crackings) (organic chemistry, petrochemistry) The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.
to break open or into many parts: [~ + object] cracked an egg into the bowl. [no object] The egg cracked when it hit the floor. to break with a sudden, sharp sound: [no object] The wood in the fireplace cracked suddenly. [~ + object] I cracked a few pieces of wood and added them to the fire.
crack•ing (ˈkræk ɪŋ) n. 1. (in the distillation of petroleum) the process of breaking down complex hydrocarbons into simpler compounds with lower boiling points, as gasoline. Compare catalytic cracking.