dehydrator
Low-mediumTechnical, consumer product, cooking/culinary
Definition
Meaning
An appliance or machine that removes moisture (water) from food or other substances in order to preserve them.
A device or apparatus designed to remove water through the application of heat and airflow. Can also refer to industrial equipment used to dry materials like chemicals, sludge, or pharmaceuticals. Figuratively, a substance or situation that causes extreme drying or loss of moisture.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun denoting a physical device. The core meaning is tied to the process of dehydration. In consumer contexts, it is almost exclusively associated with food preservation. In industrial contexts, it is a more generic term for drying equipment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Associated with health-conscious cooking, food preservation, and industrial processes.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the popularity of home food dehydration as a hobby, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] uses a dehydrator to [verb] [object]Place [object] in the dehydrator for [time]The dehydrator [verbs] the [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to commercial equipment for drying food products or industrial materials for sale or further processing.
Academic
Used in food science, chemistry, and engineering texts to describe apparatus for controlled moisture removal.
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to a kitchen appliance for making dried fruit, jerky, or herbs.
Technical
Precise term for equipment that removes water via heated air circulation, distinct from freeze-dryers or ovens.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- To dehydrate the mushrooms, one needs a proper dehydrator.
- We should dehydrate this surplus fruit before it spoils.
American English
- I'm going to dehydrate a batch of jerky this weekend.
- Dehydrate those herbs at a low temperature to preserve the oils.
adverb
British English
- None. 'Dehydrator' does not have an adverbial form.
American English
- None. 'Dehydrator' does not have an adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The dehydrator trays need washing.
- We followed the dehydrator recipe for fruit leather.
American English
- The dehydrator settings are adjustable.
- Check the dehydrator manual for drying times.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a dehydrator. It dries fruit.
- I put apples in the dehydrator.
- We use a dehydrator to make banana chips.
- The dehydrator takes several hours to dry the herbs completely.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE-HYDRATE-OR. The machine that DOES ('-or') the removing of water ('de-hydrate').
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOOD PRESERVER (primary). A MOISTURE REMOVER (general).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation constructs like "обезвоживатель". The standard term is "сушилка" or "дегидратор" (a direct loanword used for kitchen appliances). "Дегидратор" is the most precise equivalent for the appliance.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'dehydrater' (less common). Confusing it with a 'freeze-dryer' (a different process). Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will dehydrator the apples' - incorrect; correct: 'I will dehydrate the apples' or 'I will use the dehydrator on the apples').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dehydrator?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While an oven can dry food, a dehydrator uses a much lower temperature (typically 35-70°C) with constant airflow, which preserves more nutrients and results in a different texture.
Yes, for making jerky, but it is crucial to follow food safety guidelines precisely, often involving pre-cooking or using curing salts, to prevent bacterial growth.
Both mean to dry thoroughly. 'Dehydrate' is more common for removing water from living matter (food, bodies). 'Desiccate' is more technical/formal and often used for non-living materials (chemicals, air) and can have a more extreme connotation of complete dryness.
Typically, no. Most home dehydrators are relatively energy-efficient, using significantly less power than an oven, though they run for many hours.