Drying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drying

[หˆdraษชษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

laundry

The process of removing moisture from something that is wet.

Synonyms

dehydration, desiccation, evaporation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drying

Used in general situations to describe the removal of moisture from an object or surface. It is widely applicable in everyday contexts.

  • After washing the clothes, they need drying
  • The paint is drying quickly
dehydration

Typically used in the context of the human body or food preservation, referring to the removal of water to prevent spoilage or to describe a medical condition caused by the lack of water.

  • Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to avoid dehydration
  • Dehydration of fruits can extend their shelf life
evaporation

Refers to the process where liquid turns into vapor, generally used in scientific contexts like weather, chemistry, or discussing natural processes.

  • Evaporation from the lake is causing the water levels to drop
  • The evaporation rate increases with higher temperatures
desiccation

Usually used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the extreme drying out of materials, often to the point of becoming completely devoid of moisture.

  • Desiccation of the soil can lead to desertification
  • Laboratories often use desiccators to keep samples dry

Examples of usage

  • The drying of clothes on a clothesline.
  • She used a hairdryer for quick drying of her hair.
Context #2 | Noun

food

The process of preserving food by removing its moisture content.

Synonyms

dehydration, desiccation, evaporation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drying

Use when you are talking about the process of removing moisture from an object or substance, often at a normal temperature. It is the most general term for this process.

  • I am drying my clothes outside in the sun
  • The artist is waiting for the paint to finish drying
dehydration

Best suited to describe the process of losing water or moisture in a biological context, often referring to living organisms or food. It can have a negative connotation when referring to living beings as it implies a lack of water.

  • Dehydration can be very dangerous if you don't drink enough water
  • The dehydration process helps to preserve fruits
desiccation

Appropriate for scientific or technical contexts, often describing the state of extreme dryness or the process of removing nearly all moisture. This term gets used less commonly in everyday language.

  • Desiccation was required to prepare the specimen for analysis
  • The desiccation of the desert climate is harsh for vegetation
evaporation

Use when describing the process by which a liquid turns into vapor, usually under the influence of heat. Often mentioned in scientific, natural, or everyday contexts.

  • The evaporation of water from the ocean contributes to weather patterns
  • Leave the water out in the sun to speed up the evaporation process

Examples of usage

  • The drying of fruits and vegetables for long-term storage.
  • Beef jerky is made through the drying of meat.
Context #3 | Verb

wet object

To remove moisture from something that is wet.

Synonyms

dehydrate, desiccate, evaporate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drying

General term for removing moisture from something by exposing it to air or applying heat. Commonly used in everyday situations, such as drying clothes or hair.

  • I am drying my clothes in the dryer.
  • Please dry your hair before going outside.
dehydrate

Specifically refers to removing water from food or substances to preserve them. Often used in cooking and science. Can also refer to the loss of water in a living organism.

  • We need to dehydrate the fruits for the trail mix.
  • Drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
evaporate

Refers to the process of a liquid turning into vapor, often used in scientific and environmental contexts. It can describe natural processes involving water or other liquids.

  • Water will evaporate more quickly on a hot day.
  • The solution must be heated to evaporate the solvent.
desiccate

A more technical term for removing moisture, often used in scientific and industrial contexts. It can have a formal or technical tone.

  • The lab uses special equipment to desiccate the samples.
  • Desiccated coconut is used in many dessert recipes.

Examples of usage

  • She is drying her wet clothes on a rack.
  • He used a towel to dry off after swimming.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The drying process can happen naturally through air or sun, or artificially using heat.
  • Different materials dry at varying rates based on their properties; for example, paper dries faster than cloth.
  • Evaporation and sublimation are key scientific processes involved in drying โ€” where liquid turns into gas, leaving a solid behind.

Cultural Practices

  • Drying food, such as fruits and meats, has been practiced for centuries as a preservation method around the world.
  • In some cultures, sun-drying is a traditional method for creating snacks, like sun-dried tomatoes or jerky.

Art and Technology

  • In painting, drying time is crucial; artists must plan according to how quickly their materials dry.
  • Modern technology has developed rapid drying methods, like freeze-drying, which preserves food's nutrients while removing moisture.

Industry

  • The drying process is essential in various industries, including textiles, food, and construction.
  • Industrial drying machines can be found in many factories, helping to speed up production by efficiently removing moisture.

Origin of 'drying'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'dryge', meaning free from moisture.
  • This word evolved through the Middle English 'dryen,' which referred to the process of removing moisture.

The word 'drying' originates from the Middle English word 'dryngen' which means to make or become dry. The concept of drying has been a vital part of human history, allowing for the preservation of food, textiles, and other materials. Through various methods such as air drying, sun drying, or using mechanical devices, the process of drying has evolved to become an essential technique in many industries.


See also: dried, dry, dryness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,745, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.