deliquesce

views updated May 21 2018

del·i·quesce / ˌdeliˈkwes/ • v. [intr.] (of organic matter) become liquid, typically during decomposition. ∎ Chem. (of a solid) become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air.

deliquesce

views updated May 29 2018

deliquesce dissolve by absorption of moisture. XVIII. — L. dēliquēscere, f. DE- 3 + liquēscere, f. liquēre be fluid; see LIQUID, -ESCENT.