Decanting: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin 'decantere', meaning to pour off.
• It first appeared in English in the 17th century, originally in relation to wine.
• Related words include 'decantation', which is the process of decanting.

Science

• Decanting is a common technique in laboratories to separate solids from liquids, especially in chemistry experiments.
• In environmental science, scientists may decant sediment from water to analyze pollution levels.
• The process helps in the purification of substances, making it crucial in various industrial processes.

Culinary Arts

• Wine enthusiasts often decant their beverages to separate sediment and enhance the flavors through aeration.
• Certain spirits, like whiskey, are also decanted to allow them to breathe and release their full aroma.
• Decanters often serve as beautiful decorative pieces in kitchens and dining rooms.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, the act of decanting is associated with hospitality and celebrating special occasions.
• It is often viewed as a ritual that elevates the drinking experience, making it feel more luxurious.
• Historically, decanting wine was a sign of the host's sophistication and knowledge in fine dining.

Literature

• Decanting is metaphorically used in literature to represent transformation or the release of hidden potential.
• In Aldous Huxley’s 'Brave New World', the term is connected to the 'decanting' of human beings in a dystopian society.
• Authors often use the act of decanting as a symbol of clarity and revelation in character development.

This word's position of #33,631 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

• ...
• 33628 hempen
• 33629 nonclinical
• 33630 commonness
• 33631 decanting
• 33632 cannonading
• 33633 vainglory
• 33634 cratering
• ...