It may look like the same prefix, but the de- in desiccate means "completely, thoroughly," as in despoil ("to spoil utterly") or denude ("to strip completely bare").

DESICCATE definition: to dry thoroughly; dry up. See examples of desiccate used in a sentence.

desiccate verb [T or I] (DAMAGE) to become damaged or destroyed by losing an important quality; to damage or destroy something in this way:

3 meanings: 1. to remove most of the water from (a substance or material); dehydrate 2. to preserve (food) by removing.... Click for more definitions.

Dec 14, 2025 · Noun [edit] desiccate (plural desiccates) A substance which has been desiccated, that is, had its moisture removed. quotations

Definition of desiccate. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

The verb desiccate means to dry out, dry up and dehydrate. It's helpful to desiccate weeds but certainly not crops.

A desiccant is a hygroscopic (attracts and holds water) substance that induces or sustains such a state in its local vicinity in a moderately sealed container. The word desiccation comes from Latin de- …

The meaning of DESICCATION is the act or process of drying or desiccating something or the state of being or becoming dried up : removal or loss of moisture : thorough drying. How to use desiccation in …

To make dry, dull, or lifeless: "Stalinism desiccated the grassroots of urban government" (Timothy J. Colton). To become dry; dry out. Lacking spirit or animation; arid: "There was only the sun-bruised …