desiccate
verb
To remove the moisture from something; to dry out completely. Also means to drain of emotional or intellectual vitality.
Etymology
From Latin "desiccare" (to dry up), from "de" (completely) + "siccare" (to dry), from "siccus" (dry). The prefix emphasizes thoroughness.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"Desert air can desiccate flowers within hours."
- 2.
"The mummy had been perfectly desiccated by the dry climate."
- 3.
"Years of bureaucracy had desiccated his enthusiasm for the work."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Desiccation is nature's preservation method. Ancient Egyptians developed mummification by imitating how desert conditions preserved bodies. Modern freeze-drying works on similar principles.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (D, E, S, I, C, C, A, T, E)
Scrabble Value: 14 points
Tip: Words ending in "TE" are often good scoring opportunities.
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