Definition

A machine used to remove moisture from a substance by freezing it and then reducing the surrounding pressure to allow the frozen water to sublimate.

Example

The scientist used a lyophilizer to preserve the biological samples for future research.

Conversation

Have you ever seen how a lyophilizer works?

No, I haven’t! What does it do?

It freeze-dries food to preserve it without losing flavor.

That sounds amazing! I’d love to see one in action.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lyophilizer → It is formed from "lyo-" (from Greek "lyo", meaning to dissolve) and "philos" (from Greek "philos", meaning loving) combined with "-izer" (a suffix indicating a device or agent). The word refers to a device that loves to dissolve or remove moisture, typically used in freeze-drying processes.

Memory Tip

Think of a device that 'loves' ('philos') to 'dissolve' ('lyo') moisture, which is what a lyophilizer does in freeze-drying.

Visually Confused Words