Calefaction comes from the Latin calor meaning "heated", and facere "to make." Generally, that it what the terms means: to heat, or make heated. In the modern sciences, the term calefaction shows up occasionally in relation to the fields of cryogenics, geology, mineralogy, inorganic chemistry, material sciences, and both scientifically and commercially in the study and process of sintering.

One example of the usage of the term is given by the French chemist and pharmacologist Pierre H. Boutigny, who became known for his "calefaction experiments," where he studied and expanded our understanding of what is known as the Leidenfrost Phenomenon, which appropriately describes the effect of a liquid on a heated (often metal) interface above and near the liquids boiling point.

The term calefaction has also been used in the manufacturing of steam engines and steam cars. Two examples of this are the Serpollet generator and the Paul Jacquot engine.

External links

• Leidenfrost effect
• Relationship of calefaction to the steam engine and cars
• Boutibny's experiments
• German site with pictures for the Leidenfrost effect