siccative

American  

[sik-uh-tiv] / ˈsɪk ə tɪv /

adjective

1. causing or promoting absorption of moisture; drying.

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noun

1. a siccative substance, especially in paint.

siccative British  

/ ˈsɪkətɪv /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• antisiccative
  adjective
• nonsiccative
  adjective
• unsiccative
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of siccative

1540–50; < Late Latin siccātīvus, equivalent to Latin siccāt ( us ) (past participle of siccāre to dry up; see sack ³, -ate ¹) + -īvus -ive

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

siccative

"A peculiar kind of Venetian glass," says Mr Eastlake, "used, when pulverised, as a dryer, contained a considerable portion of lead; and if it acted chemically, may have derived its siccative quality from that ingredient."

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 62, No. 383, September 1847 by Various

Hence, although the employment of lead as a siccative is not desirable, its effects are not so deleterious as might be imagined.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Thomas Salter

The direct rays of the sun are powerfully active in rendering oils and colours siccative, and were probably resorted to before dryers were—not always wisely—added to oils, particularly in the warm climate of Italy.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Thomas Salter

The ground may also advance or retard drying, because some pigments united by mixing or glazing, become either more or less siccative by their conjunction.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Thomas Salter

In his researches, he discovered the use of linseed and nut oil, which he found most siccative.

From Anecdotes of Painters, Engravers, Sculptors and Architects, and Curiosities of Art, (Vol. 2 of 3) by Shearjashub Spooner

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