macerate

[mas-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

macerated, macerating 

1. to soften or separate into parts by steeping in a liquid.

2. to soften or decompose (food) by the action of a solvent.

3. to cause to grow thin.

verb (used without object)

macerated, macerating 

1. to undergo maceration.

2. to become thin or emaciated; waste away.

   Synonyms: wither, fade, shrivel, shrink

macerate

/ ˈmæsəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to soften or separate or be softened or separated as a result of soaking

2. to break up or cause to break up by soaking

   macerated peaches

3. to become or cause to become thin

Other Word Forms

• macerater noun
• macerator noun
• macerative adjective
• unmacerated adjective
• maceration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of macerate¹

1540–50; < Latin mācerātus (past participle of mācerāre to make soft, weaken, steep); -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of macerate¹

C16: from Latin mācerāre to soften

Example Sentences

She ran in place, holding hands with her stepmother, who kept slipping on the macerated mixture.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Once the lemon juice is combined with the macerated peels, water and pickle juice are stirred in before the entire mixture is strained using a fine-mesh strainer.

Read more on Salon

Layer with almond biscotti or ladyfingers, swirl in apricot jam or fresh macerated peaches and finish with a honey drizzle and toasted almonds on top.

Read more on Salon

I also scaled far back on the sugar for the macerated berries, letting the vinegar play a more starring role.

Read more on Salon

To keep the shortcakes from turning soggy, the berries are briefly macerated before baking, which keeps them from weeping into the pastry.

Read more on Seattle Times