siccative

[ sik-uh-tiv ]

/ ˈsɪk ə tɪv /

adjective

causing or promoting absorption of moisture; drying.

noun

a siccative substance, especially in paint.

Words nearby siccative

sicanian, sicca complex, sicca syndrome, siccant, siccar, siccative, sice, sicht, sichuan, sicilia, sicilian

Origin of siccative

1540–50; < Late Latin siccātīvus, equivalent to Latin siccāt(us) (past participle of siccāre to dry up; see sack³, -ate¹) + -īvus -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM siccative

an·ti·sic·ca·tive, adjectivenon·sic·ca·tive, adjective, nounun·sic·ca·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for siccative

In his researches, he discovered the use of linseed and nut oil, which he found most siccative.
Anecdotes of Painters, Engravers, Sculptors and Architects, and Curiosities of Art, (Vol. 2 of 3)|Shearjashub Spooner
Sulphate of zinc, as a siccative, is less powerful than acetate of lead, but is far preferable in a chemical sense.
Field's Chromatography|George Field
Hence, although the employment of lead as a siccative is not desirable, its effects are not so deleterious as might be imagined.
Field's Chromatography|George Field

British Dictionary definitions for siccative

siccative

/ (ˈsɪkətɪv) /

noun

a substance added to a liquid to promote drying: used in paints and some medicines

Word Origin for siccative

C16: from Late Latin siccātīvus, from Latin siccāre to dry up, from siccus dry

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

Medicine definitions for siccative

siccative

[ sĭk′ə-tĭv ]

n.

A substance added to some medicines to promote drying; a drier.