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Desiccate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desiccate

[ˈdɛsɪkeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in cooking

To remove the moisture from something, typically food, in order to preserve it or to prepare it for cooking. Desiccation can be achieved through methods such as air-drying, sun-drying, or using a dehydrator.

Synonyms

dehydrate, dry out, preserve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
desiccate

Primarily used in scientific, technical, or severe contexts to indicate the removal of all moisture from a substance.

  • The laboratory equipment was used to desiccate the samples for analysis
  • The desert's extreme conditions desiccate the plants, leaving them brittle
dehydrate

Commonly used when referring to the removal of water from something, often food or the human body. It is also used in medical or casual contexts.

  • It's important to drink water frequently in the heat to avoid dehydration
  • The food processor can dehydrate fruits for longer storage
dry out

Typically used in everyday speech to describe the process of something losing moisture. It can also carry a slightly negative connotation when something has lost water undesirably.

  • Don't leave the paint can open, or it will dry out
  • The constant exposure to air will dry out the clay
preserve

Used to describe the act of maintaining something in its existing state, often with the implication of extending its longevity. Frequently used in context with food, historical artifacts, and natural resources.

  • People have been preserving fruits by making jams for centuries
  • Measures are being taken to preserve the historic building

Examples of usage

  • The chef desiccated the herbs by hanging them in a warm, dry room.
  • In order to make beef jerky, you need to desiccate the meat strips.
  • After desiccating the fruits, they can be stored for a longer period of time.

Translations

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

Origin of 'desiccate'

The word 'desiccate' comes from the Latin word 'desiccatus', which is the past participle of 'desiccare', meaning 'to dry up'. The term has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to the process of removing moisture from something. Over time, 'desiccate' has been commonly used in the fields of food preservation, agriculture, and cooking.