Dried: meaning, definitions and examples

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dried

[draɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

food

Preserved by removing the natural moisture, often by sun or heat.

Synonyms

dehydrated, desiccated, parched.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dried	Commonly used to describe food or other substances that have been processed to remove water content, without any specific method implied. Dried fruits are perfect for hiking She used dried herbs in the recipe
dehydrated	Often refers to removing water for preservation, particularly related to foods, but can also refer to someone's physical state when they lack sufficient water. Athletes need to drink water to avoid getting dehydrated Dehydrated vegetables are convenient for cooking
parched	Describes extreme dryness due to heat, thirst, or the sun, and often has a dramatic or negative connotation. After hours in the sun, he felt parched and needed water The parched earth cracked under the relentless sun
desiccated	Usually used in a technical, scientific, or formal context to indicate thorough, complete drying, often to preserve or maintain a particular state. The archaeologists found desiccated remains of ancient plants Desiccated coconut is commonly used in baking

Examples of usage

The dried fruit is a popular snack.
She used dried herbs in the recipe.
We hung the laundry out to dry in the sun.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

clothes

Past tense of dry: to remove moisture from something.

Synonyms

dehydrate, desiccate, evaporate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dried	Used to describe something from which water or moisture has been removed. Commonly used for food, plants, and other materials that originally contained moisture. He ate a handful of dried fruit for a snack. The flowers are dried and can be used in arrangements.
dehydrate	Often used in a scientific or technical context to refer to the removal of water. Also used to talk about the human body's loss of water. You need to drink water so you don't dehydrate. The process will dehydrate the vegetables for longer storage.
evaporate	Refers to the process by which liquid turns into vapor or gas. Commonly used in scientific contexts or to describe the disappearance of a liquid. Water will evaporate if left in an open container. The heat causes the liquid to evaporate quickly.
desiccate	Used in a scientific or technical context to indicate extreme drying. Often refers to the complete removal of moisture. Can have a slightly negative or severe connotation. The museum uses silica gel to desiccate the air and preserve artifacts. The hot sun can desiccate the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow.

Examples of usage

She dried her clothes on the line.
He dried off with a towel after swimming.

Interesting Facts

Food Preservation

Dried foods were one of the earliest methods of preserving food, allowing people to store items for long periods without refrigeration.
Many cultures around the world, like the Japanese with their 'umeboshi' (dried plums) and the Middle Eastern with dried figs, have traditional recipes that highlight the importance of drying food.
The process of drying removes water, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, dried foods like jerky, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried fish are considered delicacies and are deeply integrated into culinary traditions.
Festivals or rituals often celebrate specific dried foods, emphasizing their role in community bonding and sustenance.
Dried flowers and herbs are commonly used in art and decoration, showcasing their aesthetic importance beyond just food.

Science

The science of drying is known as dehydration, which can occur naturally through sunlight or artificially using specialized equipment.
Moisture content in dried foods is crucial; too little can lead to brittleness, while too much can promote spoilage.
Dried fruits retain a high concentration of vitamins and minerals but can also have a higher calorie density compared to their fresh counterparts.

Economics

The market for dried foods has grown significantly, especially with the increase in demand for healthy snacks and long-lasting storeable food.
Many companies specialize in the production of dried food products, indicating a trend towards sustainable food preservation in modern diets.
Dried goods often have a longer shelf life, making them a cost-effective option for consumers looking to reduce waste.

Literature

Dried flowers often symbolize everlasting love or memories in literature, representing beauty that withstands the test of time.
In various stories, dried herbs are used as remedies or magical ingredients, emphasizing their historical significance in both medicine and folklore.
Authors frequently use dried landscapes as metaphors for drought and hardship, illustrating emotional states or societal issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "dried" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seco

🇮🇳 सूखा

🇩🇪 getrocknet

🇮🇩 kering

🇺🇦 сухий

🇵🇱 suchy

🇯🇵 乾燥した

🇫🇷 séché

🇪🇸 seco

🇹🇷 kurutulmuş

🇰🇷 말린

🇸🇦 مجفف

🇨🇿 sušený

🇸🇰 sušený

🇨🇳 干燥的

🇸🇮 posušen

🇮🇸 þurrkaður

🇰🇿 құрғақ

🇬🇪 გამხმარი

🇦🇿 qurudulmuş

🇲🇽 seco

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,374, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3371 undoubtedly
3372 creative
3373 solar
3374 dried
3375 construct
3376 institutional
3377 soldier
...