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Synonyms

desiccant

American  
[des-i-kuhnt] / ˈdɛs ɪ kənt /

adjective

  1. desiccating or drying, as a medicine.


noun

  1. a desiccant substance or agent.

desiccant British  
/ ˈdɛsɪkənt /

adjective

  1. desiccating or drying

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a substance, such as calcium oxide, that absorbs water and is used to remove moisture; a drying agent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of desiccant

1670–80; < Latin dēsiccant-, stem of dēsiccāns, present participle of dēsiccāre to dry up. See desiccate, -ant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Water-adsorption polymers have been playing a key part in atmospheric water harvesting and desiccant air conditioning, but desorption so that the polymers can be efficiently reused has been an issue.

From Science Daily Nov. 27, 2024

Their system converts air to water using atmospheric water generators that contain a liquid desiccant, which absorbs moisture from the air.

From BBC May 27, 2024

Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, questioned whether the recalls are the start of problems with the inflators that have the desiccant.

From Seattle Times Dec. 4, 2023

This process can require some additional energy because the desiccant needs to be “recharged” using heat.

From Scientific American Aug. 29, 2023

Subsequent treatment consists in a local application of a desiccant dusting powder, which should be applied five or six times daily.

From Lameness of the Horse Veterinary Practitioners' Series, No. 1 by John Victor Lacroix

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