Phrase guide

Fink effect

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The temporary increase in both the concentrations and partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli when water-soluble gases (e.g. nitrous oxide) are breathed in large quantities so they can be dissolved in body fluids rapidly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: medicine, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Named after British physician Bernard Raymond Fink, who first explained the effect in 1955.