A phenomenon involving a solid and a liquid in such intimate contact that the
adhesive force between the two phases is greater than the cohesive force within
the liquid. Thus, a solid that is wetted, on being removed from the liquid
bath, will have a thin continuous layer of liquid adhering to it. Foreign
substances, such as grease, may prevent wetting. Addition agents, such as
detergents, may induce wetting by lowering the surface tension of the liquid.
CF: water break
Source:
Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms
