Definition

A material that absorbs moisture from the air to keep things dry.

Example

The package included a desiccant to prevent moisture damage to the electronics.

Conversation

I found this little packet of desiccant in my new shoes.

Oh, those are great for keeping things dry, right?

Yeah, I guess they help prevent mold or mildew.

Exactly! It's amazing how something so small can be so useful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Desiccant is formed from 'desiccare' (meaning to dry out) and the suffix '-ant' (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word describes a substance that has the ability to dry out or absorb moisture.

Memory Tip

Think of a substance that 'dries out' ('desiccare') — that's what a desiccant does, it absorbs moisture.

Visually Confused Words