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Deliquesce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deliquesce

[ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

chemical process

To deliquesce means to become liquid or to dissolve, typically referring to the process by which certain substances absorb moisture from the air and form a solution or a liquid. This process often occurs in hygroscopic substances, which have the ability to attract and hold water. Deliquescence is a physical change that can be observed in various salts and some sugar compounds. As humidity increases, these substances may transition from a solid state to a liquid state, often resulting in the formation of concentrated solutions.

Synonyms

dissolve, liquefy, melt.

Examples of usage

  • The salt began to deliquesce in the humid air.
  • Sugars can deliquesce when exposed to moisture.
  • Some chemical compounds deliquesce easily when not stored properly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'deliquesce'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'deliquesce' comes from the Latin word 'deliquescere', which is a combination of 'de-', meaning 'down from' or 'away', and 'liquescere', meaning 'to become liquid'. This etymology reflects the nature of the process where a solid substance turns into a liquid as it absorbs moisture from the surroundings. The usage of the term dates back to the 18th century when it was first adopted in scientific literature to describe the behavior of certain salts and other hygroscopic substances. Over time, 'deliquesce' has been utilized in both chemistry and various scientific disciplines to denote this particular phenomenon, emphasizing the interaction between solids and atmospheric moisture. Its development mirrors advances in our understanding of chemical properties and reactions, particularly in relation to hydration and solubility.

Word Frequency Rank

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.