desiccate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal; Academic; Technical.
Quick answer
What does “desiccate” mean?
to remove all moisture from something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to remove all moisture from something; to dry thoroughly.
To make something lifeless, dull, or arid in a metaphorical sense (e.g., a desiccated argument).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'desiccate' is standard in both. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA). No significant usage difference; both use it in formal/technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both varieties, though slightly archaic or literary in non-specialist contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both; slightly more common in scientific/agricultural writing.
Grammar
How to Use “desiccate” in a Sentence
NP desiccate NPNP be desiccatedNP become desiccatedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “desiccate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archaeologist used silica gel to desiccate the fragile textiles.
- The intense heat will desiccate the landscape, turning it to dust.
American English
- The lab procedure requires you to desiccate the compound overnight.
- Wind from the mountains can desiccate the crops in a matter of days.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
adjective
British English
- She sprinkled desiccated coconut over the cake.
- The debate was intellectually desiccated and offered no new insights.
American English
- The bag contained only desiccated leaves and insects.
- He had a desiccated, cynical view of modern politics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in contexts of food processing or logistics (e.g., 'desiccated goods').
Academic
Common in biology, archaeology, chemistry, and geology (e.g., 'desiccated soil samples').
Everyday
Very rare; 'dried' is preferred (e.g., 'dried coconut' not 'desiccated coconut').
Technical
Standard in scientific processes for removing moisture from substances or specimens.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “desiccate”
- Misspelling: 'dessicate' (double 's', single 'c').
- Confusing with 'dehydrate' (more general/biological) and 'desiccate' (more complete/technical).
- Using the verb in casual speech where 'dry out' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct spelling is 'desiccate' (one 's', two 'c's'). 'Dessicate' is a common misspelling.
Not exactly. 'Desiccated coconut' is finely grated and dried coconut, often unsweetened. 'Shredded coconut' can be moister and come in longer strips.
Literally, it's possible but very clinical (e.g., 'The disease desiccated his tissues'). Metaphorically, it is used to describe someone or something made lifeless or dull (e.g., 'a desiccated bureaucrat').
They are often synonymous. 'Desiccate' often implies a more thorough, complete, or intentional process, especially in technical contexts. 'Dehydrate' is more common for biological organisms and in everyday language.
to remove all moisture from something.
Desiccate is usually formal; academic; technical. in register.
Desiccate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɛsɪkeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɛsəˌkeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this verb]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DESert' + 'SICC' (like 'siccus', Latin for dry) + ATE: The desert ATE all the moisture.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS MOISTURE / DEATH IS DRYNESS (e.g., a desiccated career, desiccated ideas).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST context for using 'desiccate'?