deliquescent

adjective

del·​i·​ques·​cent ˌde-li-ˈkwe-sᵊnt How to pronounce deliquescent (audio)
1
: tending to melt or dissolve
especially : tending to undergo gradual dissolution and liquefaction by the attraction and absorption of moisture from the air
2
: having repeated division into branches
elms are deliquescent trees
compare excurrent sense 2a
deliquescence noun

Examples of deliquescent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Big, bold and playfully grotesque, these recall the deliquescent figure sculptures of Willem de Kooning, with a few more accessories tacked on (balls, birds, various tools). Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 5 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deliquescent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin deliquescent-, deliquescens, present participle of deliquescere

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deliquescent was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near deliquescent

Cite this Entry

“Deliquescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deliquescent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

deliquescent

adjective
del·​i·​ques·​cent ˌdel-ə-ˈkwes-ᵊnt How to pronounce deliquescent (audio)
1
: tending to melt or dissolve
especially : tending to dissolve gradually by absorbing moisture from the air
2
: having repeated division into branches
elms are deliquescent trees
deliquescence noun

Medical Definition

deliquescent

adjective
del·​i·​ques·​cent -ᵊnt How to pronounce deliquescent (audio)
: tending to melt or dissolve
especially : tending to undergo gradual dissolution and liquefaction by the attraction and absorption of moisture from the air
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