Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Deliquescent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ง
Add to dictionary

deliquescent

[หŒdษ›lษชหˆkwษ›sษ™nt ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Common examples of deliquescent substances include certain salts like calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide, which can absorb water vapor from the atmosphere.
  • This phenomenon occurs when the moisture content in the air reaches a level that exceeds the substance's ability to remain solid.
  • Deliquescent materials are often used in desiccants to keep environments dry, such as in packaging to prevent spoilage.

Art and Literature

  • In poetry, the concept of deliquescence can metaphorically represent the fading or dissolution of emotions or memories.
  • Some artists use the concept in visual art to explore themes of change and impermanence, like using melting objects to symbolize vulnerability.
  • The term has been creatively employed in literature to depict decay or transformation, inviting readers to consider the beauty in change.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, the idea of melting or dissolving can symbolize surrender or letting go, reflecting a philosophical understanding of impermanence.
  • The visual of a deliquescent substance can evoke feelings of nostalgia, often linked to fleeting moments in life.
  • Many cultures celebrate the change of states (like ice to water) in art, influencing many stories and legends tied to nature's cycles.

Psychology

  • The concept can be used metaphorically in psychology to describe emotional states that shift and dissolve, representing fluidity in human feelings.
  • Therapeutic practices may draw on the metaphor of deliquescence to encourage acceptance of changing emotions and thoughts.
  • Understanding something as deliquescent might help individuals process loss or change as a natural part of life, promoting adaptability.

Origin of 'deliquescent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin word 'deliquescere', meaning 'to dissolve' or 'to melt away'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the early 19th century, primarily in chemistry.
  • The prefix 'de-' suggests removal, and 'liquescent' relates to liquefaction, indicating a transformation into liquid.

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.