How Do You Spell DELIQUESCENT?

Pronunciation: [dɪlɪkwˈɛsənt] (IPA)

Deliquescent is a compound word that comes from two Latin roots: deliquescere, meaning "to melt away" and scire, meaning "to know." The phonetic transcription of deliquescent is /dɛlɪkwɛsnt/. The first syllable "del" sounds like "dell," the second syllable "i" is pronounced as the short "i" sound as in "sit," the third syllable "que" sounds like the word "cue," the fourth and fifth syllables are pronounced as "es-ent," and the final syllable has a silent "t."

DELIQUESCENT Meaning and Definition

1. Deliquescent is an adjective that describes a substance or compound's ability to absorb moisture from the atmosphere and dissolve in it. When a deliquescent compound is exposed to humid conditions, it gradually absorbs water until it forms a solution or liquid. This process is commonly known as deliquescence.

   Deliquescence occurs due to the hygroscopic nature of deliquescent substances. These compounds have a high affinity for water molecules and can extract moisture even from the surrounding air, leading to their gradual dissolution. As the moisture is absorbed, the compound may undergo physical and chemical changes, often resulting in the formation of a solution or a liquid solution.

   Deliquescent substances are widely used in various applications. For instance, they are commonly found in desiccants or drying agents, as they effectively remove excess moisture from the air. Additionally, some deliquescent materials are used in the chemical industry to facilitate reactions by providing a medium for reactants to dissolve in.

   In summary, the term "deliquescent" refers to a substance's ability to absorb moisture from the air and dissolve in it, often resulting in the formation of a solution. This property is attributed to the compound's hygroscopic nature and finds applications in drying agents and chemical reactions.

2. Noting a solid substance which readily absorbs water from the air, becoming damp or liquid.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Liquefying by contact with the air.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DELIQUESCENT

• seliquescent
• xeliquescent
• celiquescent
• feliquescent
• reliquescent
• eeliquescent
• dwliquescent
• dsliquescent
• ddliquescent
• drliquescent
• d4liquescent
• d3liquescent
• deliquesscent
• delliquescent
• deliquescence
• Deliquescense
• deliquecient
• delicquescent
• Deliquescency
• delsiquescent
• Deliquescencey
• deliquescents

Etymology of DELIQUESCENT

The word "deliquescent" is derived from the Latin word "deliquescere", which means "to liquify" or "to melt away". It is formed from the combination of "de-" (meaning "away" or "completely") and "liquescere" (meaning "to become liquid"). The term was initially used in chemistry to describe substances that have the ability to absorb moisture from the air and dissolve into a liquid. Over time, its usage expanded to also describe the process of becoming soft or losing solidity, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

Similar spelling words for DELIQUESCENT

• deliciously,
• Deliquesce,
• deliciousness,
• delicious.

Plural form of DELIQUESCENT is DELIQUESCENTS