Decaf: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'decaf' is derived from 'decaffeinated', which means to remove caffeine from a coffee bean. The process of decaffeination began in the early 20th century, primarily as a response to increasing concerns about the health effects of caffeine. The first known method of decaffeinating coffee was invented in Germany in 1903, when Ludwig Roselius developed a method using water and benzene to extract caffeine. Although the method was effective, the use of benzene raised health concerns, leading to the development of safer methods over the years. Decaf coffee grew in popularity throughout the 20th century, especially in the United States, where consumers sought alternatives that could minimize caffeine consumption while still enjoying the flavor of coffee. Today, various decaffeination processes exist, including the use of carbon dioxide and natural water methods, making decaf coffee widely available and enjoyed by many.

Ranking #37,770, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 37770 decaf
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• 37773 encystment
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