cracking
UK: ˈkrækɪŋ | US: ˈkrækɪŋ
n. 1. The process of breaking something into smaller pieces, often with a sharp sound.
n. 2. (Chemistry) The decomposition of complex hydrocarbons into simpler molecules, especially in oil refining.
adj. 3. (Informal, chiefly British) Excellent; first-rate.
v. (present participle of crack) 4. Breaking or causing to break without complete separation.
The word cracking derives from the Old English cracian (to resound, crack), likely of imitative origin, mimicking the sound of breaking. The suffix -ing forms nouns (denoting action/process) or adjectives (denoting quality). In chemistry, "cracking" was adopted in the early 20th century to describe the fracturing of hydrocarbon chains. The British slang sense ("excellent") emerged in the 19th century, metaphorically extending the idea of intensity (like a "crack" shot).
The loud cracking of ice signaled the thawing of the lake.
Catalytic cracking is essential for producing gasoline from crude oil.
"That was a cracking good performance!" he cheered.
She heard the cracking of twigs underfoot in the forest.
The engineer studied thermal cracking to improve fuel efficiency.