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Deliquescent: meaning, definitions and examples

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deliquescent

 

[ ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛsənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

scientific term

Deliquescent refers to substances that absorb moisture from the atmosphere until they dissolve in the absorbed water. This characteristic is commonly observed in certain salts which can exist as solids but will transition into a liquid state upon attracting enough humidity from the air. This property is significant in various chemical and physical applications, such as understanding the behavior of hygroscopic materials. Deliquescent materials are often used in desiccators and humidity control applications.

Synonyms

hygroscopic, liquefying, moisture-absorbing

Examples of usage

  • Calcium chloride is a deliquescent substance that helps control humidity.
  • Many deliquescent salts can cause corrosion if not handled properly.
  • In humid environments, deliquescent substances may need special storage.
  • Sodium hydroxide can be deliquescent, forming a liquid solution in high humidity.

Translations

Translations of the word "deliquescent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deliquescente

🇮🇳 विघटित

🇩🇪 deliquescent

🇮🇩 deliquescent

🇺🇦 дегідратований

🇵🇱 deliquescentny

🇯🇵 溶解性の

🇫🇷 déliquescent

🇪🇸 deliquescente

🇹🇷 deliquescent

🇰🇷 용해성의

🇸🇦 ذائب

🇨🇿 deliquescentní

🇸🇰 deliquescentný

🇨🇳 潮解的

🇸🇮 deliquescenten

🇮🇸 deliquescent

🇰🇿 ерітетін

🇬🇪 დელიქვესცენტი

🇦🇿 deliquescent

🇲🇽 deliquescente

Word origin

The word 'deliquescent' originates from the Latin term 'deliquescere', meaning 'to dissolve' or 'to melt away'. The prefix 'de-' often conveys the idea of removal or negation, while 'liquescent' comes from 'liquere,' meaning 'to be liquid'. The term was first used in English in the mid-19th century, during a period of increased scientific exploration and understanding of chemical properties. As chemists studied the behavior of various compounds, the need for terminology to describe unique physical properties, like that of deliquescence, became more prominent. Its usage spread in academic texts, particularly in chemistry and material science, to describe specific materials that display this particular behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,290 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.