decrepitate

[ dih-krep-i-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de·crep·i·tat·ed, de·crep·i·tat·ing.

1. to roast or calcine (salt, minerals, etc.) so as to cause crackling or until crackling ceases.

verb (used without object)

, de·crep·i·tat·ed, de·crep·i·tat·ing.

1. to break up when exposed to heat.

decrepitate

/ dɪˈkrɛpɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. tr to heat (a substance, such as a salt) until it emits a crackling sound or until this sound stops
2. intr (esp of a salt) to crackle, as while being heated

Derived Forms

• deˌcrepiˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• de·crepi·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepitate¹

1640–50; < New Latin dēcrepitātus crackled, past participle of dēcrepitāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + crepitāre to crackle (frequentative of crepāre to crack); -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepitate¹

C17: from New Latin dēcrepitāre, from Latin crepitāre to crackle, from crepāre to creak

Example Sentences

Placed on burning coals, they decrepitate on drying, and produce a species of explosion or detonation.

From Project Gutenberg

Pliny had just reason to add, that nitrum otherwise does not properly decrepitate.

From Project Gutenberg

Muffle furnaces are suitable for fine ores which are liable to decrepitate or sinter.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sparkle