desiccation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the process of removing moisture from something or causing it to become completely dry

   Desiccation preserves the seeds until the next growing season.

2. 2
   noun

   a state of extreme dryness caused by loss of moisture

   The cracked leaves showed signs of desiccation.

Borrowed through French from Late Latin desiccatio, from Latin desiccare, “to dry thoroughly,” combining de- with siccus, “dry.” The term is now common in scientific contexts involving the removal or loss of moisture.

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