exsiccate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɛkˈsɪkˌeɪt/

KK: /ɛkˈsɪkˌkeɪt/

transitive verb

Definition

To remove moisture from something, making it dry.

Example

The scientist used a special method to exsiccate the plant samples for preservation.

Tense Forms

Past: exsiccated

Past Participle: exsiccated

Conversation

Have you noticed how the plants are starting to exsiccate in this heat?

Yeah, it’s been really dry lately.

I guess we should start watering them more often to prevent them from exsiccate completely.

Good idea! I don’t want to lose any of them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dehydrate

desiccate

evaporate

Antonyms

hydrate

moisten

dampen

Root Explanation

Exsiccate → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "siccare" (meaning to dry). The word describes the process of removing moisture or drying something out completely.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing moisture' ('ex-') to 'dry' ('siccare') something completely — that's what exsiccate means.

Visually Confused Words

resiccate