Deliquesce: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'deliquescere', which means 'to melt away' or 'to become fluid'.
• First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century, demonstrating an early understanding of materials changing states.

Science

• Common substances that deliquesce include certain salts, like calcium chloride, which can absorb enough moisture to transform into brine.
• This process is used in chemical laboratories to illustrate changes in physical states and the effects of humidity.
• Certain hygroscopic materials are deliberately designed to deliquesce to keep environments, such as packaging, moisture-free.

Environmental Impact

• In nature, some plants produce substances that deliquesce to provide moisture to seeds and other plants nearby.
• The process plays a key role in soil health, contributing to nutrient release as minerals melt away in the presence of water.

Culinary Uses

• Some gourmet chefs use the concept of deliquescence for certain desserts that slowly transform as they melt under heat, creating unique textures.
• Sugars can deliquesce when mixed with moisture, forming syrups that are essential in many pastry recipes.

Cultural References

• Poets and writers have used the imagery of melting or dissolving to describe emotions, illustrating fragility and transience.
• In visual arts, artists depict the deliquescent state to explore themes of change, decay, and transformation in life.

At position #40,835, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 40832 liverwurst
• 40833 martlet
• 40834 cardiograph
• 40835 deliquesce
• 40836 incensing
• 40837 moisturize
• 40838 straiten
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