decrepitation n : the crackling or breaking up of certain crystals when they are heated

English

Noun

1. The shattering of minerals by the action of heat, especially when accompanied by a crackling sound

Decrepitation is the breaking of a substance usually accompanied by the emission of a crackling sound. An example for a substance which decrepitates on heating is lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2).

References

• Penguin Science Dictionary 1994, Penguin Books