Pronunciation: [ʃɹˈɪvə͡ld] (IPA) 
The word "shrivelled" is the British spelling of "shriveled" in American English. It is pronounced as /ˈʃrɪvəld/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is /ʃr/ as in "shrimp", followed by /ɪ/ as in "pit", and then /v/ as in "vet". The last syllable is /ld/ as in "could". This word refers to something that has become wrinkled or dried up, and is commonly used to describe fruit, leaves or skin.
Shrivelled is an adjective that describes something that has become small, shrunken, or wrinkled due to a loss of moisture or vitality. When something shrivels, it means that it has undergone a process of drying out or withering, resulting in a decreased size, wrinkled appearance, and a loss of its original tautness or plumpness.
The term is commonly used to depict fruits, vegetables, or other organic matter that has undergone dehydration or desiccation, causing them to lose water content and become wrinkled. In this context, shrivelled implies a loss of freshness, as the item appears less succulent and vibrant than in its original state.
Shrivelled can also describe the appearance of human skin or body parts that have lost elasticity, firmness, or vitality, often due to aging or being affected by certain medical conditions. This term is often associated with the natural process of skin aging, wherein it gradually becomes less supple, resulting in the formation of wrinkles or creases.
Additionally, shrivelled can be used metaphorically to refer to non-physical things, such as an idea, hope, or relationship, that has lost its vibrancy, vigor, or strength, leading to a diminished state or lessened impact. In this context, it suggests a lack of vitality, energy, or substance compared to its original form.
Contracted into wrinkles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "shrivelled" is derived from the Old English word "screflian", which means "to contract, shrivel, or wrinkle". This Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "skraf-" which has the same meaning. The Proto-Germanic word is further related to the Old Norse word "skarfr", meaning "scarf" or "cramp". The original sense of "shrivelled" referred to something becoming wrinkled or contracted, often due to aging or dehydration.
